Heart failure in systemic right ventricle: Mechanisms and therapeutic options

Importance of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Applied to Congenital Heart Diseases in Pediatric Age: A Narrative Review

Congenital heart diseases (CHDs) represent a heterogeneous group of congenital defects, with high prevalence worldwide. Non-invasive imaging is essential to guide medical and surgical planning, to follow the patient over time in the evolution of the disease, and to reveal potential complications of the chosen treatment. The application of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) in this population allows for obtaining detailed information on the defects without the necessity of ionizing radiations. This review emphasizes the central role of CMR in the overall assessment of CHDs, considering also the limitations and challenges of this imaging technique. CMR, with the application of two-dimensional (2D) and tri-dimensional (3D) steady-state free precession (SSFP), permits the obtaining of very detailed and accurate images about the cardiac anatomy, global function, and volumes' chambers, giving essential information in the intervention planning and optimal awareness of the postoperative anatomy. Nevertheless, CMR supplies tissue characterization, identifying the presence of fat, fibrosis, or oedema in the myocardial tissue. Using a contrast agent for angiography sequences or 2D/four-dimensional (4D) flows offers information about the vascular, valvular blood flow, and, in general, the cardiovascular system hemodynamics. Furthermore, 3D SSFP CMR acquisitions allow the identification of coronary artery abnormalities as an alternative to invasive angiography and cardiovascular computed tomography (CCT). However, CMR requires expertise in CHDs, and it can be contraindicated in patients with non-conditional devices. Furthermore, its relatively longer acquisition time and the necessity of breath-holding may limit its use, particularly in children under eight years old, sometimes requiring anesthesia. The purpose of this review is to elucidate the application of CMR during the pediatric age.

Approach to Decompensated Right Heart Failure in the Acute Setting

Acute right heart failure (ARHF) arises when the right ventricle fails to pump blood efficiently to the pulmonary circulation. This inefficiency leads to a decreased blood supply to various organs. ARHF is a significant health concern, often leading to increased hospital admissions and being associated with a higher risk of mortality. This condition underscores the importance of effective cardiac care and timely intervention to manage its complications and improve patient outcomes. Diagnosing ARHF involves a comprehensive approach that includes a physical examination to evaluate the patient's fluid status and heart-lung function, blood tests to identify potential triggers and help forecast patient outcomes and various imaging techniques. These imaging techniques include electrocardiograms, point-of-care ultrasounds, computed tomography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and other advanced monitoring methods. These diagnostic tools collectively aid in a detailed assessment of the patient's cardiac and pulmonary health, essential for effective management of ARHF. The management of ARHF focuses on addressing the underlying causes, regulating fluid balance, and enhancing cardiac function through pharmacological treatments or mechanical support aimed at boosting right heart performance. This management strategy includes the use of medications that modulate preload, afterload, and inotropy; vasopressors; anti-arrhythmic drugs; ensuring proper oxygenation and ventilation; and the utilization of heart and lung assist devices as a bridge to potential transplantation. This review article is dedicated to exploring the pathophysiology of ARHF, examining its associated morbidity and mortality, evaluating the various diagnostic tools available, and discussing the diverse treatment modalities. The article seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of ARHF, its impact on health, and the current strategies for its management.

Complex Congenital Heart Disease in the Adult

Congenital heart disease (CHD), a heterogeneous group of structural abnormalities of the cardiovascular system, is the most frequent cause of severe birth defects. Related to improved pediatric outcomes, there are now more adults living with CHD, including complex lesions, than children. Adults with CHD are at high risk for complications related to their underlying anatomy and past surgical palliative interventions. Adults with CHD require close monitoring and proactive management strategies to improve outcomes.

Long-term outcome of patients with transposition of the great arteries and a systemic right ventricle: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Patients with a transposition of the great arteries (TGA) and a systemic right ventricle are at risk of heart failure (HF) development, arrhythmia and early mortality. Prognostic evaluations in clinical studies are hampered by small sample sizes and single-centred approaches. We aimed to investigate yearly rate of outcome and factors affecting it.

METHODS

A systematic literature search of four electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Scopus) was conducted from inception to June 2022. Studies reporting the association of a systemic right ventricle with mortality with a minimal follow-up of 2 years during adulthood were selected. Incidence of HF hospitalization and/or arrhythmia were captured as additional endpoints. For each outcome, a summary effect estimate was calculated.

RESULTS

From a total of 3891 identified records, 56 studies met the selection criteria. These studies described the follow-up (on average 7.27 years) of 5358 systemic right ventricle patients. The mortality incidence was 1.3 (1-1.7) per 100 patients/year. The incidence of HF hospitalization was 2.6 (1.9-3.7) per 100 patients/year. Predictors of poor outcome were a lower left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) (standardized mean differences (SMD) of -0.43 (-0.77 to -0.09) and - 0.85 (-1.35 to -0.35), respectively), higher plasma concentrations of NT-proBNP (SMD of 1.24 (0.49-1.99)), and NYHA class ≥2 (risk ratio of 2.17 (1.40-3.35)).

CONCLUSIONS

TGA patients with a systemic right ventricle have increased incidence of mortality and HF hospitalization. A lower LVEF and RVEF, higher levels of NT-proBNP and NYHA class ≥2 are associated with poor outcome.