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

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.

Left ventricle dysfunction in patients with critical neonatal pulmonary stenosis: echocardiographic predictors. A single-center retrospective study

Background

The aim of this study is to identify echocardiographic predictors of transient left ventricle dysfunction after pulmonary valve balloon dilatation (PVBD), in neonates with pulmonary valve stenosis (PVS) and atresia with intact septum (PAIVS) at birth.

Methods

The study includes patients admitted at the Bambino Gesù Children Hospital from January 2012 to January 2017. Clinical, echocardiographic and cardiac catheterization data before and after PVBD were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Twenty-nine infants were included in the study (21 male and eight female). The median age was 5.8 ± 7.1 days. Eight patients developed transient LV dysfunction (three PAIVS and five PVS) and comparing data before and after the procedure, there was no difference in right ventricle geometrical and functional parameters except for evidence of at least moderate pulmonary valve regurgitation after PVBD.

Conclusion

Moderate to severe degree pulmonary valve regurgitation was significant associated to LV dysfunction (p < 0.05) in PVS and PAIVS patients.

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.

Heart Failure in Pediatric Patients With Congenital Heart Disease

Heart failure (HF) is a complex clinical syndrome resulting from diverse primary and secondary causes and shared pathways of disease progression, correlating with substantial mortality, morbidity, and cost. HF in children is most commonly attributable to coexistent congenital heart disease, with different risks depending on the specific type of malformation. Current management and therapy for HF in children are extrapolated from treatment approaches in adults. This review discusses the causes, epidemiology, and manifestations of HF in children with congenital heart disease and presents the clinical, genetic, and molecular characteristics that are similar or distinct from adult HF. The objective of this review is to provide a framework for understanding rapidly increasing genetic and molecular information in the challenging context of detailed phenotyping. We review clinical and translational research studies of HF in congenital heart disease including at the genome, transcriptome, and epigenetic levels. Unresolved issues and directions for future study are presented.

Outcomes After Decompression of the Right Ventricle in Infants With Pulmonary Atresia With Intact Ventricular Septum Are Associated With Degree of Tricuspid Regurgitation

Background—

Outcomes after right ventricle (RV) decompression in infants with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum vary widely. Descriptions of outcomes are limited to small single-center studies.

Methods and Results—

Neonates undergoing RV decompression for pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum were included from 4 pediatric centers. Primary end point was reintervention post-RV decompression; secondary end points included circulation type at latest follow-up. Ninety-nine patients (71 with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum and 28 with virtual atresia) underwent RV decompression at median 3 (25th–75th, 2–5) days of age. Seventy-one patients (72%) underwent at least 1 reintervention after decompression. Median duration of follow-up was 3 years (range, 1–10). Freedom from reintervention was 51% at 1 month and 23% at 3 years. In multivariable analysis, reintervention was associated with virtual atresia (hazard ratio [HR], 0.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.28–091; P =0.027), smaller RV length (HR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.89–0.99; P =0.027), and ≤mild tricuspid regurgitation (TR; HR, 3.58; 95% CI, 2.04–6.30; P <0.001). Patients undergoing surgical shunt or ductal stent were less likely to have virtual atresia (HR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.15–0.85; P =0.02) and more likely to have higher RV end-diastolic pressure (HR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.00–1.15; P =0.057) and ≤mild TR (HR, 3.50; 95% CI, 1.75–7.0; P <0.001). Number of reinterventions was associated with ≤mild TR (rate ratio, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.23–2.87; P =0.0037). Multivariable analysis indicated that <2-ventricle circulation status was associated with ≤mild TR (odds ratio, 18.6; 95% CI, 5.3–65.2; P <0.001) and lower RV area (odds ratio, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.72–0.91; P <0.001).

Conclusions—

Patients with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum deemed suitable for RV decompression have a high reintervention burden although most achieve 2-ventricle circulation. TR ≤mild at baseline is strongly associated with reintervention and <2-ventricle circulation at medium-term follow-up. Degree of baseline TR may be an important marker of long-term outcomes in this population.

Cardiac fetal ultrasonographic parameters for predicting outcomes of isolated left-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to investigate fetal cardiac ultrasonographic parameters in relation to the outcomes of patients with isolated left-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).

METHODS

Subjects comprised 33 fetuses with fetal CDH and 99 control fetuses without cardiac and lung anomalies. Three parameters, cardiothoracic area ratio (CTAR), the ratio of the diameter of the main pulmonary artery to that of the ascending aorta (MPA/AAo), and the ratio of the diameter of the tricuspid valve to that of the mitral valve (TV/MV) were compared between fetal CDH and control subjects and between survival (SG) and non-survival (NSG) groups.

RESULTS

All three parameters differed significantly between CDH and control fetuses. Significant differences between SG and NSG were observed in CTAR and TV/MV ratio, but not in MPA/AAo ratio before and after 32 gestational weeks. A significant increase in the TV/MV ratio was noted along with an increase in gestational age. A TV/MV ratio of >1.72 discriminated non-survivors from survivors with better sensitivity and specificity.

CONCLUSIONS

Fetal cardiac ultrasonography provides useful information for predicting the outcomes of isolated left-sided CDH. The TV/MV ratio was considered a reliable indicator that reflected outcomes of isolated left-sided CDH.

Impact of prenatal diagnosis on outcome of pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum

OBJECTIVES

To determine the impact of fetal echocardiography on the management of pregnancy and of newborns affected by pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum (PAIVS) and to evaluate the outcome of infants with and without prenatal diagnosis of PAIVS.

METHODS

We searched our database for cases of PAIVS prenatally and postnatally diagnosed during the period January 1993-December 2009. Postnatal follow-up was available in all cases included in the study. Karyotyping and fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis for the DiGeorge critical region (22q11.2) were performed in all but one case.

RESULTS

The study comprised 60 cases of PAIVS: 36 with (Group A) and 24 without (Group B) prenatal diagnosis. In Group A, there were two intrauterine deaths, six postnatal deaths (five early after birth) and one termination of pregnancy. In this group, radiofrequency (RF) perforation was successfully performed in 25 cases; 20/25 infants had a biventricular (BV) repair, without further operation in 13 of them. No patient of Group B died. In this group, RF perforation was successfully performed in 22 cases; 20/22 had a BV repair without further procedure in 15 of them.

CONCLUSIONS

Prenatal diagnosis of PAIVS allows a reliable prognosis of severity and planning of proper surgical repair strategies. Fetuses that are prenatally diagnosed present a more severe spectrum of the disease; for the cases capable of getting through the neonatal period, the mortality rate and the need for further intervention were not significantly different when compared with babies with only postnatal diagnosis.

[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.

Role of tricuspid regurgitation in fetal echocardiographic diagnosis of pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum

OBJECTIVE

Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PAIVS) is a rare cardiac malformation with a broad spectrum of anatomical manifestations, varying from types suitable for biventricular repair to those with diminutive right ventricle and primitive ventriculocoronary connections (VCC), more suitable for single-ventricle palliation or heart transplantation. We sought to test whether tricuspid regurgitation is an easily detectable prenatal criterion with which to identify PAIVS patients at lower risk of needing postnatal single-ventricle palliation.

METHOD

We identified retrospectively patients with both fetal diagnosis and postnatal confirmation of PAIVS who were seen at Bambino Gesù Hospital between January 2000 and December 2006. Tricuspid valve/mitral valve (TV/MV) ratio, presence and severity of tricuspid regurgitation and direct visualization of VCC were evaluated by echocardiography both pre- and postnatally.

RESULTS

We identified 22 patients with a prenatal diagnosis of PAIVS. Four pregnancies were terminated and one fetus was lost to follow-up, leaving 17 patients for the analysis. Based on postnatal cardiac catheterization and/or echocardiography we divided our population in two groups: Group 1 included 10 patients with VCC; Group 2 included seven patients without VCC. At fetal echocardiography, tricuspid regurgitation was absent in all ten Group 1 patients and present in all seven Group 2 patients. VCC were seen directly in 6/10 Group 1 patients and in no Group 2 patients. A cut-off value of 0.56 for the TV/MV ratio was highly predictive of VCC during fetal life, with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 90%.

CONCLUSIONS

The absence of tricuspid regurgitation in fetuses affected by PAIVS is a strong prenatal echocardiographic predictor of VCC, as is a TV/MV ratio < 0.56. Fetuses presenting with tricuspid regurgitation and relatively large right ventricle are at lower risk of needing single-ventricle palliation postnatally. This inforation could be helpful for appropriate prenatal counseling and postnatal decision-making.

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.

Fetal tricuspid valve size and growth as predictors of outcome in pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum

OBJECTIVE

Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum is a complex congenital cardiovascular anomaly that frequently requires single ventricle palliation. Fetal diagnosis of pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum is common, but the natural history of pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum diagnosed in midgestation, predictors of neonatal anatomy, and predictors of biventricular repair have not been determined. The objective of this study was to determine whether the size and rate of growth of the fetal tricuspid valve predict neonatal anatomy and biventricular repair.

DESIGN AND RESULTS

Twenty-three fetuses diagnosed with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum between 1990 and 2004 were studied. Of 13 fetuses with a midgestation fetal tricuspid valve z score < or = -3, 1 achieved biventricular repair, compared with 5 of 5 with a tricuspid valve z score > -3. Of 13 fetuses with a midgestation fetal tricuspid valve z score < or = -3, 8 were diagnosed postnatally with a right ventricular dependent coronary circulation, compared with none with a tricuspid valve z score > -3. Midgestation and late gestation fetal tricuspid valve z scores correlated with neonatal tricuspid valve z score. The average rate of tricuspid valve growth between mid- and late fetal echocardiograms was significantly lower in patients who did not achieve biventricular repair than in those who did (0.012 +/- 0.008 cm per week vs 0.028 +/- 0.014 cm per week).

CONCLUSIONS

Fetal tricuspid valve z score and rate of growth predict postnatal outcome in pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum. These findings may have important implications for prenatal counseling and selection of patients for fetal pulmonary valve dilation.

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.

Catheterization in neonates with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum

Cardiac catheterization is infrequently required in babies with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum. The main indications are to decide on the best form of treatment, the options being determined by the right ventricular as well as infundibular morphology and the presence of right-ventricle dependent coronary circulation. In most cases, an interventional approach is appropriate. This can consist of radiofrequency or laser perforation of the atretic pulmonary valve, combined with balloon dilation. In some patients, additional stenting of the arterial duct may be needed.

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.

Evolution of the management approach for pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum

OBJECTIVE

To review the evolution of the management approach for pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PAIVS) in the past two decades and to assess its impact on patient outcomes.

DESIGN AND PATIENTS

Retrospective review of the management and outcomes of 94 patients (55 male patients) with PAIVS diagnosed between July 1980 and August 2003.

SETTINGS

Tertiary paediatric cardiac centre.

RESULTS

Seven patients died before interventions. Of the remaining 87 patients who underwent intervention at a median age of 9 days (from 1 day to 2 years), 12 had right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction (RVOTR), 42 had closed pulmonary valvotomy (CPV), and 15 had laser assisted valvotomy with balloon valvoplasty. A systemic-pulmonary shunt was inserted in 18 patients, six of whom had subsequent RVOTR (n = 4) or laser assisted valvotomy (n = 2). Since 1990, catheter intervention accounted for 38% (17 of 45) of the right ventricular outflow procedures. The mean (SEM) freedom from reintervention was 93 (7)%, 71 (12)%, and 57 (13)% after RVOTR, 75 (7)%, 40 (8)%, and 14 (6)% after CPV, and 54 (13)%, 24 (12)%, and 16 (10)% after laser assisted valvotomy at one month, six months, and one year, respectively (RVOTR versus CPV, p < 0.001; RVOTR versus laser assisted valvotomy, p = 0.001). Low cardiac output syndrome was significantly less common after catheter intervention than after RVOTR (0% v 44%, p = 0.003) or CPV (0% v 29%, p = 0.01). The overall mean (SEM) survival was 77 (5)% and 70 (5)% at one and five years, respectively, and the overall mortality was 33% (29 of 87). There were no significant differences in survival between the three groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple interventions are often required in the treatment algorithm of PAIVS. The shift towards increased use of the transcatheter approach has reduced the occurrence of postprocedural low cardiac output syndrome.

Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum: management of, and outcomes for, a cohort of 210 consecutive patients

OBJECTIVES

We sought to determine trends, and outcomes, for a cohort of patients with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum born between 1965 and 1998.

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum is a complex lesion that remains a therapeutic challenge, particularly regarding the suitability for biventricular repair.

METHODS

We identified 210 consecutive patients, and reviewed their medical records, initial angiograms, and echocardiograms, along with the relevant surgical and pathology reports.

RESULTS

The mean initial Z-score for the diameter of the tricuspid valve was -0.99 +/- 1.95, with Ebstein's malformation in 8%. A right ventricular dependent coronary arterial circulation was found in 23%. The proportion of patients who received treatment increased over time, although placement of an arterial shunt was the predominant initial procedure throughout the experience. At the last follow-up, 107 patients had not reached the planned final stage of their repair, and 79% of these had died. Of the 103 reaching the final stage of planned repair, 58 had undergone attempted biventricular repair, with 34% dying; 14 had undergone attempted one and a half ventricular repair, with 7% dying, and 31 had undergone attempted functionally univentricular repair, with 10% dying. Overall, survival was 57% at the age of 1 year, 48% at 5 years, and 43% at 10 years. Survival improved over time, with survival of 75% at 1 year, and 67% at 5 years, for patients born between 1992 and 1998. An earlier date of birth, the presence of Ebstein's malformation, and prematurity were all significant independent factors associated with decreased survival. A greater severity of coronary arterial abnormalities was significantly associated with a greater likelihood of left ventricular dysfunction during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The outcomes for patients born with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum have improved over time, albeit that careful initial management, and better selection, is still indicated for those planned to undergo biventricular repair.

Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum: Strategy based on right ventricular morphology

OBJECTIVES

Management strategy for pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum is controversial. We treated patients with this anomaly according to a management protocol based on our quantitative assessment of right ventricular morphology (index of right ventricular development and right ventricle-tricuspid valve index). In the present study, we reviewed a 20-year experience of the surgical treatment at our institution to define guidelines for selecting the appropriate type of surgical procedure.

METHODS

Between April 1981 and June 2002, 45 consecutive patients with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum underwent surgical treatment. Open transpulmonary valvotomy was performed in 27 patients and Blalock-Taussig shunt in 18 patients as the initial palliative procedure. Three patients who underwent a successful transpulmonary valvotomy alone in the neonatal period required no further operation. Definitive repair was performed in 32 patients. Biventricular repair was performed on 19 patients, one and a half ventricular repair in 3, and Fontan-type operation in 10.

RESULTS

There were 1 early and 2 late deaths before the definitive operation in patients who underwent transpulmonary valvotomy. Two patients who had coronary artery interruption died 3 months and 13 years after the initial Blalock-Taussig shunt. There were 1 early and 2 late deaths after the definitive operation. Actuarial survival, including noncardiac death, was 91.1% at 5 years after the initial procedure and 81.5% at 10 years.

CONCLUSIONS

We treated patients with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum according to a management protocol based on our quantitative assessment of right ventricular morphology with good results.

Perforation of the atretic pulmonary valve. Long-term follow-up

OBJECTIVES

We evaluated the long-term results of perforation of the pulmonary valve in patients with pulmonary atresia with an intact ventricular septum (PA-IVS).

BACKGROUND

Interventional perforation of the pulmonary valve is considered the elective first stage treatment for PA-IVS, particularly in patients with a tripartite right ventricle (RV) and normal coronary circulation. However, the long-term results of this procedure are lacking.

METHODS

Between January 1991 and December 2001, 39 newborns with a favorable form of PA-IVS underwent attempted perforation of the pulmonary valve. We evaluated the early and long-term outcomes.

RESULTS

Median tricuspid and pulmonary z values were -1.2 and -2.4, respectively. Perforation was successful in 33 patients. Among them, 17 needed neonatal surgery, 13 did not need any surgery, and 3 had elective surgery after the first month of life. There were two procedure-related deaths, seven nonfatal procedural complications, and four postsurgical deaths. Compared with patients needing neonatal surgery, those having no or elective surgery had a higher incidence of a tripartite RV and a higher median tricuspid z value (92% vs. 53%, p = 0.04 and -1.7 vs. -0.5, p = 0.03). At a median follow-up of 5.5 years (range 0.5 to 11.5), survival was 85% and freedom from surgery was 35%. Five patients, four of whom had neonatal surgery, underwent a partial cavo-pulmonary connection.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that this technique, although burdened by non-negligible mortality and morbidity, is effective in selected patients with a normal-sized RV. Preselection of patients allows interventional or surgical biventricular correction in the majority of cases.

Outcome in infants with pulmonary atresia, intact ventricular septum, and right ventricle-dependent coronary circulation

Management of all patients with pulmonary atresia, intact ventricular septum, and right ventricle-dependent coronary circulation (n = 12) with staged surgery directed toward a Fontan palliation resulted in an 83% 5-year actuarial survival. Both deaths in the study were presumably related to coronary ischemia and occurred in the first 4 months of life.

Echocardiographic predictors of coronary artery pathology in pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum

Coronary artery pathology is a major determinant of treatment strategy and outcome in patients with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum (PA/IVS). For this reason, infants with PA/IVS routinely undergo preoperative cardiac catheterization. The goal of this study was to identify echocardiographic predictors of coronary artery pathology in infants with PA/IVS. The initial preoperative echocardiograms of 30 consecutive infants with PA/IVS (median age at diagnosis 1 day) were reviewed for indexes predicting the degree of coronary pathology. The tricuspid valve (TV) annulus diameter Z- score was determined and evidence of abnormal flow in the coronary arteries by Doppler was evaluated. Coronary pathology was defined by angiography and graded as: 0 = no fistulae; 1 = fistulae/no right ventricular (RV)-dependent coronary arteries; 2 = fistulae with 1 RV-dependent coronary; 3 = fistulae with >/=2- vessel RV-dependent coronary arteries. Outcome was classified as: 2 ventricles, "1.5" ventricles, and 1 ventricle. By angiography, 30% of the patients had grade 0 coronary pathology, 30% had grade 1, 20% had grade 2, and 20% had grade 3. There was 1 death in a patient with grade 3 coronary pathology. Among the survivors (median age at follow-up 28. 6 months), biventricular circulation existed in 12 patients (41%), 7 patients (24%) were 1.5, and 10 (34%) were 1 ventricle. All patients with TV Z-score </=-2 had coronary fistulae by angiography and 35% had grade 3 coronary pathology. None of the patients with grade 2 or 3 coronary artery pathology had a TV Z-score >-2.5. The sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values of TV Z-score </=-2.5 in predicting RV dependent coronary arteries were 100%, 83%, 80%, and 100%, respectively. Thus, in newborns with PA/IVS the echocardiographically derived TV Z-score predicts the likelihood of coronary artery fistulae and RV-dependent coronary arteries and can be used to rationalize the need for preoperative diagnostic catheterization.

Usefulness of the preoperative tricuspid/mitral valve ratio for predicting outcome in pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum

Although tricuspid valve z-scores have been used to predict outcome in pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum, they are statistically generated from local populations, and widespread generalization may not be appropriate. To determine if there are echocardiographic predictors of outcome that can be universally used, the records of all infants with this diagnosis since 1988 were reviewed for age, weight, type of surgery, and outcome. Preoperative and follow-up echocardiograms were reviewed for valve diameter and z-scores, and valve ratios were calculated. Thirty-six patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1 included 23 infants who had a successful biventricular repair; group 2 included the remaining 13 infants who did not have a successful repair. Preoperatively, both groups had similar ages, pulmonary, aortic, and mitral z-scores, and pulmonary/aortic ratios, but the patients in group 2 had significantly lower weight (3.5 +/- 0.6 vs 2.9 +/- 0.5 kg), tricuspid z-scores (-0.7 +/- 1.5 vs -2.3 +/- 1.2), and tricuspid/mitral ratios (0.8 +/- 0.2 vs 0.5 +/- 0.1). At similar follow-up, both groups of patients had similar weight, aortic and mitral z-scores, and pulmonary/aortic ratios, but group 2 infants had significantly lower pulmonary and tricuspid z-scores and tricuspid/mitral ratios. Compared with the preoperative echocardiograms, group 1 had significant increases only in pulmonary z-scores, and pulmonary/aortic and tricuspid/mitral ratios. Group 2 had no significant change in any echocardiographic variable. The tricuspid/mitral ratio was >0.5 in all group 1 infants, and in 6 of 13 group 2 infants (2 sepsis deaths, 4 palliations). Compared with a tricuspid valve z-score >-3, a tricuspid/mitral ratio >0.5 was a better predictor of biventricular repair. Thus, infants who have a successful biventricular repair have significantly greater preoperative weight, tricuspid valve z-scores, and tricuspid/mitral valve ratios. A tricuspid/mitral ratio >0.5 was the best predictor of a biventricular repair.

Outcomes of transcatheter valvotomy in patients with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum

The results of transcatheter valvotomy in pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PA-IVS) patients are presented with an attempt to identify the predictive factors for pulmonary valvotomy alone as definitive treatment. Between June 1995 and December 1997, 14 PA-IVS neonates with tripartite right ventricle underwent an attempted pulmonary valvotomy. For perforation of the pulmonary valve, a guidewire was used in 4, and a radiofrequency guidewire in 10 patients. Two outcome groups were identified. Group I included those in whom transcatheter treatment achieved a definitive success; group II patients required surgery despite an initial successful valvotomy. The attempt failed in 3 patients, 1 of whom had pericardial effusion. Perforation of the pulmonary valve was achieved in 11 patients: 2 with a guidewire and 9 with a radiofrequency guidewire. A subsequent balloon valvuloplasty was performed in these 11 patients. After valvuloplasty, mean right ventricular pressure decreased from 124 +/- 24 to 60 +/- 15 mm Hg (p <0.01). One died of heart failure and infection 10 days later, despite successful weaning from prostaglandin E1. Group I patients (n = 6) were treated with transcatheter valvotomy alone. Group II patients (n = 4) required right ventricular outflow patch. Significant differences between the 2 groups (group I vs II) were identified in tricuspid valve Z value (0.52 +/- 0.37 vs -1.25 +/- 0.48, p <0.05), pulmonary valve Z value (-3.47 +/- 0.59 vs -5.43 +/- 0.94, p <0.05), and ratio of right-to-left ventricular area on the apical 4-chamber view (0.73 +/- 0.06 vs 0.49 +/- 0.03, p <0.05). There were no significant differences in hemodynamic characteristics between the 2 groups. After a follow-up period ranging from 7 to 35 months (mean 18 +/- 10.3), the most recent echocardiograms in the 10 patients showed a mean pressure gradient across the pulmonary valve of 17 +/- 15 mm Hg. All 10 patients had an oxygen saturation of >92%. Transcatheter valvotomy using a radiofrequency guidewire is a safe and effective treatment in selected patients with PA-IVS. Transcatheter valvotomy can be a definitive treatment in PA-IVS patients with a tricuspid valve Z value > or = -0.1, pulmonary valve Z value > or = -4.1 and ratio of right-to-left ventricular area > or = 0.65.

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.

Outcome after operations for pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum

OBJECTIVE

Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum is an anatomically heterogeneous anomaly with a variety of surgical strategies possible. We sought to compare the outcome of patients with a single ventricle approach to those with a biventricular repair and to compare outcome of patients with coronary abnormalities to those with normal coronary arteries.

METHODS

A retrospective review of our surgical database revealed 67 patients with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum operated on between 1981 and 1998. Patients were categorized on the basis of initial surgical strategy: strategy A, aortopulmonary shunt alone (n = 31); strategy B, right ventricular recruitment (n = 32); strategy C, heart transplantation (n = 4). Tricuspid valve size (Z-score) and coronary anatomy were determined. Right ventricular-coronary artery dependency was noted in 8 patients.

RESULTS

Overall actuarial survivals at 1, 5, and 8 years were 82%, 76%, and 76%. Mortality was highest in infancy (10 of 16 deaths). Outcome was equivalent for all 3 strategies. There was no difference in tricuspid valve size between survivors and nonsurvivors (mean Z-score -2.0 (2.5) vs -2.0 (1.9), P =.83). There was no difference in survival based on severity of coronary abnormality. Only one third of patients had a successful biventricular repair, and the tricuspid valve was significantly larger in these than in patients who had Fontan operation (mean Z-score -0.53 [1.6], range -3.5 to 1, versus mean Z-score -3.03 [2.7], range -5.5 to 0, P =.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical outcome for patients born with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum is satisfactory. The strategies of biventricular repair, single ventricle palliation, and heart transplantation allow for equal outcome among all anatomic subtypes.

Successful transcatheter perforation of the atretic pulmonary valve membrane in a newborn using the new Coe radiofrequency end hole catheter

The new 2 French Coe radiofrequency (RF) end hole catheter was first used to successfully perforate the atretic pulmonary valve membrane using an antegrade approach in a newborn with intact ventricular septum (IVS). Nine watts of energy for 8 sec was required with simultaneous delivery of a 0.014 in. coronary guidewire coaxially through the end hole RF catheter for balloon valvuloplasty. This new ringed-tip end hole RF catheter offers considerable advantages to the pediatric interventionalist in the transcatheter therapy in neonates with pulmonary atresia (PA) and IVS.

Growth of the right ventricle after successful transcatheter pulmonary valvotomy in neonates and infants with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum

OBJECTIVES

Since 1990, transcatheter pulmonary valvotomy has become an alternative to surgical valvotomy in the management of neonates and infants with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum. We sought to determine whether right ventricular growth after transcatheter pulmonary valvotomy is commensurate with body growth.

METHODS

Laser or radiofrequency-assisted balloon valvotomy was attempted in 12 neonates and infants with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum. Tricuspid and mitral valve dimensions were measured retrospectively on the cross-sectional echocardiograms performed before the procedure and during follow-up. Z-values were used to standardize tricuspid valve dimensions with body size.

RESULTS

The atretic pulmonary valve was successfully perforated and dilated in nine of 12 patients. Five of these nine patients required additional transcatheter or surgical procedures to augment the pulmonary blood flow. Of six survivors, five are regularly followed up with a median follow-up of 60 months (range 37 to 68 months). All five have two-ventricle circulation, two of the five patients requiring surgical enlargement of the right ventricular outflow tract with or without closure of the atrial septal defect. Echocardiographic tricuspid valve dimensions and Z-values before transcatheter valvotomy tended to be smaller in the patients who died than in the survivors. In the survivors, the absolute tricuspid valve dimensions increased after valvotomy but the Z-values tended to decrease or stayed constant.

CONCLUSIONS

Transcatheter valvotomy is a good alternative to surgical valvotomy in patients with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum. Two-ventricle circulation can be achieved despite subnormal right ventricular growth.

Importance of right ventricular outflow tract angiography in distinguishing critical pulmonary stenosis from pulmonary atresia

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the spectrum of pulmonary atresia and critical pulmonary stenosis using right ventricular outflow tract angiography and explore its implications for catheter interventional treatment.

DESIGN

Prospective clinical study.

SETTING

Two paediatric cardiology centres.

SUBJECTS

11 neonates or infants (aged 1 day to 8 months; weighing 2.3 to 7.8 kg) with pulmonary atresia or where the differentiation of pulmonary atresia from critical pulmonary stenosis was unclear on either echocardiography or angiography.

METHODS

Right ventricular outflow tract angiography was performed on all patients to distinguish pulmonary atresia from critical pulmonary stenosis before opening the right ventricular outflow tract.

RESULTS

Right ventricular outflow tract angiography showed that three of seven patients diagnosed as pulmonary atresia by echocardiography had pin hole jets across the pulmonary valve; another had a probe patent valve that appeared imperforate on both echocardiography and right ventricular outflow tract angiography. Three of the four patients diagnosed by echocardiography as critical pulmonary stenosis were found on right ventricular outflow tract angiography to have pulmonary atresia. The remaining patient had such a tiny orifice that a second orifice had to be created with a radiofrequency catheter. The right ventricular outflow tract was opened successfully in 10 of the 11 patients, six of whom required application of radiofrequency energy. The right ventricular to aortic systolic pressure ratio fell from 1.4 (0.9 to 1.9) to 0.6 (0.2 to 1.1) (P < 0.05). All 11 patients were alive and well with transcutaneous oxygen saturations ranging from 84% to 95% at a median follow up duration of nine months.

CONCLUSIONS

Critical pulmonary stenosis and pulmonary atresia cannot always be accurately distinguished by echocardiography. Right ventricular outflow tract angiography helps to distinguish the two groups. In most cases the right ventricular outflow tract can be opened without mortality and with short to medium term survival.

Capillary distribution in the ventricles of hearts with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum (PA-IVS) can be complicated by the presence of a severely hypoplastic thick-walled right ventricle with or without ventriculo-coronary arterial communications. A variable amount of myocardial pathology has been described in these hearts, probably the result of ischemic conditions and a high pressure in the right ventricle. We studied whether the capillary network is still intact, allowing a sufficient perfusion of the myocardium, which will be important for the success of palliative surgery.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We studied the distribution of capillaries in the myocardium of hearts with PA-IVS and compared the results with normal hearts. The capillaries were detected by immunohistochemistry using a monoclonal antibody (408) against endothelium. Remarkable abnormalities in capillary distribution were found in the right ventricle of hearts with PA-IVS and reflect the arrangement of the myocytes. Thus, disorganization of capillaries, which is found to be the most common pattern, always paralleled the myocardial disarray. A low density of capillaries is always found in areas with a low density of myocytes, ie, with hypertrophied myocytes, compact fibrotic tissue, or diffuse fibrosis. Disarray and other disturbances in orientation of capillaries and myocytes are present in hearts with PA-IVS, a hypoplastic right ventricle, and ventriculo-coronary arterial communications. These disturbances are more extensive when interruptions of the coronary arteries are also present. In hearts with PA-IVS and a hypoplastic right ventricle only, extensive regions with low capillary densities and severe myocyte pathology are observed. On the contrary, hearts with PA-IVS and a normal-size right ventricle show minor abnormalities in capillary and myocyte organization.

CONCLUSIONS

In hearts with PA-IVS, various abnormal capillary distribution patterns are found. Our findings correlate well with clinical data that reported the best surgical results in hearts in which the major part of the myocardium showed a normal capillary distribution and myocyte morphology. This suggests that the capillary distribution may be an important parameter for the function of the heart. Because the distribution of the capillaries is found to be a good reflection of the arrangement of the myocytes, antibody 408 is also a useful tool in detecting abnormalities of the myocardium in a fast and easy way.