Placement of permanent pacemaker in a low-birth-weight infant with congenital heart block: a case report

One of the rare diseases with a high mortality rate in infants is congenital heart block (CHB) with neonatal lupus erythematosus (NLE) as the most common cause. A permanent pacemaker (PPM) is indicated for symptomatic bradycardia. The choice of PPM in the paediatric population is different from that in the adult population because of several reasons like small size, account of somatic growth, and difference in physiological changes. Here, we present a case in which a 2.6 kg and 45 days old baby with CHB secondary to NLE was successfully treated with a single-chambered adult-sized PPM with epicardial lead. According to our knowledge, this is the smallest baby in Pakistan in which PPM has been implanted.

Anomalous left coronary artery from pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) as a silent cause of mitral regurgitation in children

Anomalous left coronary artery from pulmonary artery (ALCAPA), also known as Bland-White-Garland syndrome, is a rare cardiac disease. This condition may present with complications such as myocardial infarction, left ventricular dilatation, mitral regurgitation, and left heart failure in children. We report a case of a four-year-old boy who presented with shortness of breath, palpitations, and recurrent upper respiratory tract infections. He was diagnosed with mitral regurgitation. During the surgery, left coronary artery (LCA) was not present in its anatomical position and ALCAPA was identified. One should keep in mind the possibility of ALCAPA in presentation of mitral regurgitation in children despite not being reported in echocardiography.

Prenatally diagnosed large intrapericardial rhabdomyoma without haemodynamic compromise

Cardiac rhabdomyoma is the most common primary cardiac tumour and is considered to be a hamartoma of developing embryonic cardiac myocytes. It is commonly seen in tuberous sclerosis. The size and location of the tumour is the surrogate determinant of the risk of haemodynamic compromise. Pericardial rhabdomyoma is very rare and tends to follow the inherent natural history of spontaneous regression. We present cases of two foetuses diagnosed with large pericardial rhabdomyoma and no haemodynamic consequences. Key Words: Fetal cardiac tumors, intrapericardial rhabdomyoma, prenatal diagnosis.

Kawasaki Shock Syndrome and Covid-19

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a systemic vasculitis of unknown cause affecting children under 5 years of age. It is thought to be triggered by several viruses. Recently, Kawasaki-like disease has been reported worldwide in patients with COVID-19, giving rise to a new term of multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). We report a case of a previously healthy 7-year boy, referred to our hospital with provisional diagnosis of measles due to generalised erythematous, maculopapular rash and conjunctivitis. On detailed evaluation, the patient fulfilled the clinical and laboratory criteria of MIS-C, and COVID-19 antibodies were positive. He was treated successfully with high dose of intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) and methylprednisolone. Patient was followed one week later with repeat echocardiography, which showed improvement. In conclusion, early recognition and timely treatment can prevent adverse outcomes in MIS-C. Key Words: COVID-19, Kawasaki disease, MIS-C.

Clinical Screening for Congenital Heart Disease in Newborns at a Tertiary Care Hospital of a Developing Country

Objective: To screen all newborns admitted to a tertiary care hospital to rule out congenital heart disease before discharge and to find out the utility of pulse oximetry to detect congenital heart disease.

Methodology: This prospective study was done at Aga Khan University Hospital from January 2014 to December 2014 in 1,650 newborns over a period of 12 months. Pulse oximetry and clinical examination were done. Persistent oxygen saturation less than 95% was considered as positive pulse oximetry. Newborns who had positive pulse oximetry or abnormal clinical examinations findings were subjected to echocardiography.

Results: Pulse oximetry was performed on 1,650 newborns, out of which 25 (1.5%) had congenital heart disease. Positive pulse oximetry cases were 16 (0.97%), out of which 10 had only positive pulse oximetry (negative clinical examination). Positive clinical examination cases were 45 (2.7%), out of which 39 cases had only positive clinical examinations (negative pulse oximetry). Six newborns had both positive pulse oximetry and positive clinical examination. Out of the 25 diagnosed cases of congenital heart disease, ventricular septal defect (VSD) was the most common congenital heart disease, followed by patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of pulse oximetry were 32%, 99.5%, 50%, and 98.9% respectively.

Conclusion: In the community setting of a developing country, a combination of pulse oximetry screening and clinical examination are better at detecting congenital heart defects than either test alone.

Anomalous Left Coronary Artery from Pulmonary Artery: An Important Cause of Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation in Children

Introduction: Anomalous left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) is a rare congenital anomaly. The usual presentation in infancy is inconsolable crying or congestive cardiac failure, both due to myocardial ischemia. Survivors after infancy have improved left ventricular function but continue to have mitral regurgitation due to papillary muscle ischemia. The present study emphasizes the importance of unexplained mitral regurgitation as a clue to the diagnosis.

Patients and Methods: Patients with the diagnosis of ALCAPA operated between June 2017 and May 2018 were enrolled. Their ages at diagnosis, electrocardiography, and echocardiography findings were noted. A selective angiogram of the right coronary artery was done in all. Results of surgical reimplantation were analyzed. Postoperative data were collected, including ventricular function and mitral regurgitation.

Results: Six patients were included. Clinical signs of cardiac failure were present in two patients, and a systolic murmur was heard in all. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 52 ± 12%. Mitral regurgitation was present in all of the patients. The right coronary artery was dilated (Z score > 2.5) in all except one. Selective right coronary angiogram and cardiac computerized tomography angiogram (CTA) were performed in all. Coronary reimplantation was successfully done. Follow-up echocardiography showed improved left ventricular ejection fraction and degree of mitral regurgitation in all patients.

Conclusion: ALCAPA is an uncommon congenital anomaly, the diagnosis of which can be missed, particularly in late presenters. Unexplained mitral regurgitation should always raise the suspicion of this anomaly. Surgical intervention has excellent results with an improvement of left ventricular function and mitral regurgitation.

Accuracy of echocardiography in diagnosing total anomalous pulmonary venous return

Objective:

Total anomalous pulmonary venous return is an uncommon cyanotic congenital heart defect. Echocardiography is the initial diagnostic tool. Complimentary non-invasive modalities like cardiac computerized tomographic angiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging have replaced the need for cardiac catheterization in difficult cases. This study aimed to determine the accuracy of echocardiography in diagnosing total anomalous pulmonary venous return, and to determine the factors that may decrease its sensitivity.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi, Pakistan from January 2010 to August 2016. All patients who were diagnosed with Total anomalous pulmonary venous return on echocardiography and had subsequent confirmation either on cardiac CT angiography or surgery were included. The diagnostic accuracy of echocardiography was expressed as sensitivity. Previously described taxonomy was used to define diagnostic error. Univariate and multivariate analysis were done by logistic regression OR (95% CI) were reported to identify factors causing the diagnostic error.

Results:

High diagnostic sensitivity (81%) was found in isolated total anomalous pulmonary venous return and low (27%) in heterotaxy and mixed (20%) varieties. Poor acoustic windows and right isomerism were found to be significant factors responsible for the diagnostic error on multivariate analysis.

Conclusion:

Echocardiography can diagnose isolated total anomalous pulmonary venous return with high accuracy. Use of additional modalities may be required for a complete diagnosis in cases with mixed variety, heterotaxy and poor acoustic windows.

Congenitally Corrected Transposition of the Great Arteries in a Septuagenarian from the Developing Country of Pakistan

Congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (CCTGA) is a rare congenital cardiac defect with atrioventricular and ventriculoarterial discordance which leads to heart failure and limits patients’ lifespan. We report the case of a 70-year-old lady, from a poor province in Pakistan, who presented for the first time with palpitations and was diagnosed to have CCTGA. She had moderate pulmonic valve stenosis which was protective against heart failure. She had six children all born via spontaneous vertex delivery in her local village. This case exemplifies the fact that pulmonic stenosis is favourable for patients with CCTGA. In a country where the average life expectancy of females is only 68 years, the survival of our patient with CCTGA beyond the average lifespan is indeed interesting.

Evaluation of dose conformity and coverage of target volume for intensity-modulated radiotherapy of pelvic cancer treatment

BACKGROUND

Better conformity may help in delivering minimum dose to organs at risk (OARs) and maximum dose to planning target volume (PTV). As per the requirements of modern radiotherapy, 95% isodose should cover the PTV, so conformity indices (CIs) are used for evaluating quality of conformation of treatment plans.

AIM

This study aimed to investigate degree of conformity for pelvic patients using intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) technique. Three formulas of CIs described in literature were analyzed in this study.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

This study was performed to evaluate degree of conformity of 18 patients treated with radiotherapy treatment plan using cumulative dose volume histogram. Effectiveness of different CIs was explored for IMRT plans using 15 MV photon beam. Doses delivered to OAR were also studied.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED

CI suggested by the International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements, radiation CI and CI prescription isodose to target volume (PITV) had mean ± standard deviation values of 1.02 ± 0.018, 0.98 ± 0.017, and 1.63 ± 0.333, respectively.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Dose distribution for all patients was highly conformal and clinically acceptable. Values of CI PITV exceeded acceptable value for 27% patients with minor deviation. No statistically significant differences were observed for three CIs reported. Target volume lies between 95% and 107% of prescribed dose which shows ideal target coverage. This simple parameter is advantageous since it is easy to interpret and helped determine quality of treatment plan. This study clearly demonstrated that favorable dose distribution in PTV and OARs is achieved using IMRT technique, and hence, the risk of damage to normal tissues is reduced.

Phosphine induced acute cardiotoxicity in children: A need for health awareness

Aluminum Phosphate (AP) is a cheap and highly effective pesticide. Phosphine is the active pesticidal component which is highly toxic. Mortality is high and ranges between 40-70%. There is a desperate need for creating awareness. We report a case series with a mortality of 40% and emphasize the need for public awareness.

Assessment of Cardiac Function in Fetuses of Gestational Diabetic Mothers During the Second Trimester

Fetuses of diabetic mothers may have structural or functional cardiac abnormalities which increase morbidity and mortality. Isolated functional abnormalities have been identified in the third trimester. The aim of the present study was to assess fetal cardiac function (systolic, diastolic, and global myocardial performance) in the second trimester in mothers with gestational diabetes, and also to relate cardiac function with glycemic control. Mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus referred for fetal cardiac evaluation in the second trimester (between 19 and 24 weeks) from March 2015 to February 2016 were enrolled as case subjects in this study. Non-diabetic mothers who had a fetal echocardiogram done between 19 and 24 weeks for other indications were enrolled as controls. Functional cardiac variables showed a statistically significant difference in isovolumetric relaxation and contraction times and the myocardial performance index and mitral E/A ratios in the gestational diabetic group (p = 0.003). Mitral annular plane systolic excursion was significantly less in the diabetic group (p = 0.01). The only functional cardiac variable found abnormal in mothers with poor glycemic control was the prolonged isovolumetric relaxation time. Functional cardiac abnormalities can be detected in the second trimester in fetuses of gestational diabetic mothers and timely intervention can improve postnatal outcomes.

Epac-Rap1-activated mesenchymal stem cells improve cardiac function in rat model of myocardial infarction

INTRODUCTION

Rap1, a member of Ras superfamily of small GTP-binding proteins, is involved in cardiovascular biology in numerous ways. It is an evolutionary conserved regulator of adhesion, polarity, differentiation and growth.

AIMS

Our aim was to analyze Rap1-activated rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for their potential role in adhesion and cardiac differentiation.

METHODS

Myocardial infarction (MI) was produced in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats through occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery. MSCs were treated with 8-pCPT-2'-O-Me-cAMP (CPT) to activate Rap1. Normal (untreated) and CPT-treated MSCs were transplanted through intramyocardial injection in respective groups. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography at 2 and 4 weeks after cell transplantation. Histological analysis was performed to observe changes at tissue level.

RESULTS

Homing of CPT-treated MSCs was significantly (***P<.001) higher as compared to normal MSCs in the infarcted hearts. This may be due to increase in the gene expression of some of the cell adhesion molecules as evident by qRT-PCR analysis. Significant (***P<.001) improvement in the restoration of heart function in terms of left ventricular diastolic and systolic internal diameters (LVIDd, LVIDs), % ejection fraction, % fraction shortening and end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes were observed in CPT-treated MSCs as compared to the MI model. Histological analyses showed significant (***P<.001) reduction in scar formation in the CPT-treated group. Differentiation of treated MSCs into functional cardiomyocytes was evident through immunohistochemical staining. LV wall thickness was also preserved significantly (***P<.001). Blood vessel formation was more pronounced in CPT-treated group although both cell therapy groups showed significant increase as compared to MI model.

CONCLUSION

Our findings showed that pharmacological activation of Epac-Rap1 improves cardiac function through better survival, adhesion and differentiation of transplanted cells. Transplantation of these MSCs in the infarct area restored functional myocardium.

The clinical, biochemical and genetic features associated with RMND1-related mitochondrial disease

Background

Mutations in the RMND1 (Required for Meiotic Nuclear Division protein 1) gene have recently been linked to infantile onset mitochondrial disease characterised by multiple mitochondrial respiratory chain defects.

Methods

We summarised the clinical, biochemical and molecular genetic investigation of an international cohort of affected individuals with RMND1 mutations. In addition, we reviewed all the previously published cases to determine the genotype–phenotype correlates and performed survival analysis to identify prognostic factors.

Results

We identified 14 new cases from 11 pedigrees that harbour recessive RMND1 mutations, including 6 novel variants: c.533C>A, p.(Thr178Lys); c.565C>T, p.(Gln189*); c.631G>A, p.(Val211Met); c.1303C>T, p.(Leu435Phe); c.830+1G>A and c.1317+1G>T. Together with all previously published cases (n=32), we show that congenital sensorineural deafness, hypotonia, developmental delay and lactic acidaemia are common clinical manifestations with disease onset under 2 years. Renal involvement is more prevalent than seizures (66% vs 44%). In addition, median survival time was longer in patients with renal involvement compared with those without renal disease (6 years vs 8 months, p=0.009). The neurological phenotype also appears milder in patients with renal involvement.

Conclusions

The clinical phenotypes and prognosis associated with RMND1 mutations are more heterogeneous than that were initially described. Regular monitoring of kidney function is imperative in the clinical practice in light of nephropathy being present in over 60% of cases. Furthermore, renal replacement therapy should be considered particularly in those patients with mild neurological manifestation as shown in our study that four recipients of kidney transplant demonstrate good clinical outcome to date.

Intraoperative air embolism originating from a pulmonary vein

Air embolism entering the systemic arterial system originating from the pulmonary circuit itself is an extremely rare occurrence. We report the case of an 18-year-old female undergoing correction of an atrial septal defect, who had an air embolism that is believed to have originated from the right superior pulmonary vein. Although the exact mechanism of air entry remains a matter of speculation, several plausible hypotheses are proposed and discussed. Injury to a pulmonary vein may lead to air entry with migration to the left atrium and ultimately to systemic embolism.

Sarcoidosis with Arteriovenous Malformation in a 15-Year-Old Girl - The Rarest of the Rare

INTRODUCTION

Sarcoidosis is an uncommon multi-system disorder with many possible complications. Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are a rare vascular complication of sarcoidosis.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 15-year-old girl presented to the Pediatric Clinic at AKUH with pulmonary, hepatic, joint, and skin manifestations. Physical examination and investigations pointed toward sarcoidosis, including raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), and alanine transaminase (ALT). An incidental finding of pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (PAVM) was noticed on echocardiography. She responded to oral corticosteroids, her ACE and ALT levels improved. There was lack of indication for pulmonary angio-embolization for her PAVM. On a 3-year follow-up, her condition improved and she is clinically well.

DISCUSSION

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformation is an extremely rare complication of sarcoidosis, especially among the pediatric population. Hence, this is the first reported case of its kind. The relation between sarcoidosis and PAVM is difficult to establish; however, there are some theories. This condition may be treated depending on the symptoms. Since our patient did not have any significant symptoms of PAVM, she was treated for the underlying disease, i.e., sarcoidosis.

CONCLUSION

While dealing with patients having multi-system disorders like sarcoidosis, one must be very vigilant so as not to miss out on any complication. Regular follow-up visits should be scheduled to rule out new complications and to monitor the past ones.

Transcatheter versus surgical closure of atrial septum defect: a debate from a developing country

Introduction: This study compares the effectiveness and cost of trans-catheter verses surgical closure of secundum atrial septum defect (ASD). ASD accounts for 10% of congenital cardiac defects. Trans-catheter closure of secundum ASD is increasingly used as the primary intervention. Surgical repair is advised in a proportion of secundum type defects which are unsuitable for device closure.

Methods: We reviewed the clinical course of 176 patients who underwent closure of isolated secundum ASD. The patients were assigned to either the device or surgical group depending upon the treatment they received. Successful closure was assessed immediately after the procedure. The following outcomes were studied: mortality, morbidity, hospital stay, and costs.

Results: Ninety five patients were in the surgical group and 81 patients were in the group undergoing device closure. The median age was 14.0 years (range 1.1-61.0) for surgical group and 24.0 years (range 0.5-68.0) for the device group. The mortality in both groups was 0. The procedure success rate was 100% for the surgical group and 96.3% for the device group. The complication rate was 13.7% for surgical group and 7.4% for the device group. The mean length of hospital stay was 5.0 ± 2.7 days for surgical group and 3.0 ± 0.4 days for device group. The procedure cost for surgery was found to be 12.3% lower than that of trans-catheter closure.

Conclusion: Successful closure is achieved by both methods. Trans-catheter closure results in lower rate of complication and hospital stay but the cost of the procedure tends to be higher than surgery.

Sengers syndrome: six novel AGK mutations in seven new families and review of the phenotypic and mutational spectrum of 29 patients

Background

Sengers syndrome is an autosomal recessive condition characterized by congenital cataract, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, skeletal myopathy and lactic acidosis. Mutations in the acylglycerol kinase (AGK) gene have been recently described as the cause of Sengers syndrome in nine families.

Methods

We investigated the clinical and molecular features of Sengers syndrome in seven new families; five families with the severe and two with the milder form.

Results

Sequence analysis of AGK revealed compound heterozygous or homozygous predicted loss-of-function mutations in all affected individuals. A total of eight different disease alleles were identified, of which six were novel, homozygous c.523_524delAT (p.Ile175Tyrfs*2), c.424-1G > A (splice site), c.409C > T (p.Arg137*) and c.877 + 3G > T (splice site), and compound heterozygous c.871C > T (p.Gln291*) and c.1035dup (p.Ile346Tyrfs*39). All patients displayed perinatal or early-onset cardiomyopathy and cataract, clinical features pathognomonic for Sengers syndrome. Other common findings included blood lactic acidosis and tachydyspnoea while nystagmus, eosinophilia and cervical meningocele were documented in only either one or two cases. Deficiency of the adenine nucleotide translocator was found in heart and skeletal muscle biopsies from two patients associated with respiratory chain complex I deficiency. In contrast to previous findings, mitochondrial DNA content was normal in both tissues.

Conclusion

We compare our findings to those in 21 previously reported AGK mutation-positive Sengers patients, confirming that Sengers syndrome is a clinically recognisable disorder of mitochondrial energy metabolism.

Midterm results of bovine jugular vein conduit for right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the midterm results of Contegra conduit.

METHODS

The retrospective study comprised patient record at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, of conduits implanted between May 2007 and June 2012. Data collection was made from the clinical notes and from serial echocardiograms by a single cardiologist. The last followup echocardiography was done at the time of data collection in June 2012. SPSS 19 was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 18 conduits had been implanted (16-22 mm) during the study period. Median age at the time of surgery was 9 years (range: 2.5-16 years). Early mortality was seen in 3 (16.66%) patients, but none was Contegra related. Of the remaining 15 patients, 2 (13.33%) with a diagnosis of Pulmonary Atresia-Ventricular Septal Defect with hypoplastic peripheral Pulmonary Arteries (PA), developed severe distal pressure gradient (50 mmHg) across Contegra over a median period of 18 months (range: 12-24 months), with resultant severe regurgitation and needed percutaneous intervention. There was no thrombosis, calcification, anuerysmal dilation or late deaths.

CONCLUSION

At midterm followup, Contegra conduit was associated with low re-intervention rates with satisfactory haemodynamic results. However, long-term durability must be determined for this conduit, especially in patients with Pulmonary Atresia-Ventricular Septal Defect with hypoplastic peripheral Pulmonary Arteries.

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformation in cryptogenic liver cirrhosis

The cause in 10 - 20% cases of liver cirrhosis (LC) cannot be elucidated, and are thus termed cryptogenic. Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) are relatively rare, but the most common anomaly involving the pulmonary tree. Although the rare correlation between LC and PAVM is well-known, there have been no reports of PAVMs occurring in cryptogenic LC. We report a case of PAVM that occurred in cryptogenic liver cirrhosis in a 3 years old male child. The child presented with complaints of malena, hematemesis and variceal bleed. The examination revealed a child with respiratory distress, irritability, tachycardia, clubbing and abdominal distention. He was worked up for recurrent variceal bleeding secondary to portal hypertension but the oxygen saturation during hospital stay kept deteriorating. The diagnosis of hepatopulmonary syndrome as the cause of persistent hypoxemia in the absence of other cardio-pulmonary causes was then made by enhanced echocardiogram using agitated saline. He improved significantly after liver transplantation performed abroad. At a 6 months follow-up, the child was stable with no evidence of intrapulmonary shunting on repeat echo.

Successful surgical intervention of total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage in the third decade of life

Total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage (TAPVD) accounts for approximately 1.5% of all congenital heart diseases. It is usually diagnosed in the neonatal period and is rarely seen in adults. We report an unusual case of a patient with TAPVD who was successfully treated at the age of 28 years. We believe that this is the oldest person in the South Asian literature to undergo surgical correction of TAPVD.

Risk factors predisposing to congenital heart defects

Introduction:

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is associated with multiple risk factors, consanguinity may be one such significant factor. The role of consanguinity in the etiology of CHD is supported by inbreeding studies, which demonstrate an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance of some congenital heart defects. This study was done to find out the risk factors for CHD.

Methods:

A case-control study was done on pediatric patients at a tertiary care hospital, Aga Khan University Hospital, located in Karachi, Pakistan. A total of 500 patients, 250 cases and 250 controls were included in the study.

Results:

Amongst the 250 cases (i.e. those diagnosed with CHD), 122 patients (48.8%) were born of consanguineous marriages while in the controls (i.e. non-CHD) only 72 patients (28.9%) showed a consanguinity amongst parents. On multivariate analysis, consanguinity emerged as an independent risk factor for CHD; adjusted odds ratio 2.59 (95% C. I. 1.73 - 3.87). Other risk factors included low birth weight, maternal co-morbidities, family history of CHD and first born child. On the other hand, medications used by the mother during the index pregnancy, maternal age and gender of the child did not significantly increase the risk of developing CHD.

Conclusions:

Analyses of our results show that parental consanguinity, family history of CHD, maternal co-morbidities, first born child and low birth weight are independent risk factors for CHD.

Dual chamber pacemaker implants--a new opportunity in Pakistan for children with congenital and acquired complete heart block

Implantation of cardiac pacemakers has been practiced for at least five decades with continuous developments of the hardware. The invention of dual chamber pacemakers has initiated a debate concerning its superiority over single chamber ventricular pacemakers. Throughout the world, surgeons have been using dual chambered permanent pacemakers with successful follow ups. However, Pakistan has not yet taken the advantage of such pacemaker devices till now. We report three cases that underwent a dual chamber permanent pacemaker implantation for the first time in children less than 8 kg with successful follow ups.

Patients with congenital atrial septal defects: effect of age at repair and defect size on pulmonary artery pressures prior to repair

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a major complication of atrial septal defect (ASD) and can be responsible for significant functional limitations and early mortality. Various factors have been shown to predispose ASD patients to the development of PAH. Our study aimed to determine the association between the size of the ASD, the age of the patient and the increase in pulmonary artery pressures.

METHODS

Data from 74 ASD patients was retrospectively reviewed, including the patients' presenting symptoms, vital parameters, comorbidities, as well as their preoperative diagnostic workup. Echocardiography findings were used to determine the type and size of the ASD, and pulmonary artery pressures were evaluated using tricuspid regurgitation velocity as assessed by echocardiography or based on cardiac catheterization data. All patients underwent ASD repair either surgically or via percutaneous repair. Univariate and multivariate linear regression was performed to analyze the effect of age and defect size on pulmonary artery pressures. Model adequacy check was also done for the final model. Postoperative morbidity/mortality was additionally evaluated.

RESULTS

The study sample comprised 44.6% males and 55.4% females. The most prominent presenting features were shortness of breath (70.3%), chest pain (43.2%), and palpitations (33.8%), and arterial hypertension was the commonest morbidity. Using multiple linear regression analysis, age and size of ASD were found to be independently associated with pulmonary artery pressure. We found that for every 1 mm increase in the size of the ASD, pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) increased by 0.32 mmHg ( P ≤ 0.05). Similarly, with every increase of one year in age, pulmonary artery pressure increased by 0.24 mmHg (P ≤ 0.02). No significant postoperative complications were reported following both types of repair.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study concludes that ASD patients are at greater risk of developing PAH with increasing age and increasing ASD size. This can potentially help to determine which ASD patients are at greater risk and require urgent repair of their defects. The study also shows that early repair is best to prevent complications.

Surgery in pancreatic cancer (PC): Identifying potential barriers

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Background: Due to lack of effective systemic therapy, surgical resection remains the mainstay of treatment of PC and the only potential for cure. Even though mortality of PC surgery has decreased in recent years, surgical rates remain lower than for other cancer types. We performed an analysis of early-stage PC to determine factors that may prevent patients from undergoing surgery.

Methods: PC cases diagnosed between 1996 and 2008 were identified from the Veteran's Affairs Central Cancer Registry. Patients with early stage disease, defined as AJCC clinical stage group 1-3, were included. Data were analyzed using biostatistical software SPSS. Chi-square analysis was performed for categorical variables comparing those who underwent surgery (SUR) and those in which surgery was not performed (SNP). Kaplan-Meier analysis was used for estimates of overall survival.

Results: Of 1,306 cases identified, 97.7% were male, 78% where white. Surgery was performed in 251 (19.2%) cases. Surgery was not recommended in 739 (56.6%) and contraindicated due to patient related factors in 198 (15.2%) cases. Surgery was recommended but not performed due to unknown reasons in 59 (4.5%); patient refusal in 43 (3.3%) and “other reasons” in 16 (1.2%) cases. Mean age in SUR vs. SNP was 64.1 vs. 67.5 years. Median survival was 11.1 months in SUR vs. 5.5 months SNP (p<0.001). On univariate analysis, patients with diabetes had less surgery (10.5%) compared to other comorbidities (p<0.001). Tumors in the body of the pancreas had less surgery (4.8%) compared to the head or tail (19.9%, 23.6%, p<0.001). Sex, race, alcohol, and tobacco use did not significantly impact surgery rates (p>0.05). On multivariable analysis including race, sex, primary site, comorbidity, chemotherapy, radiation, alcohol, and tobacco use, only comorbidity was independently associated with less surgery.

Conclusions: In this registry-based, retrospective analysis of early stage PC, although SUR patients had better survival than SNP, surgery was not recommended as a treatment option for most patients by their providers. Whereas comorbid conditions do seem to influence this decision, race and patient refusal was not a major factor.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Transcatheter closure of a patent ductus arteriosus in a patient with an anomalous inferior vena cava

A patient with a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) was catheterized for device closure. Anomalous systemic venous drainage was found with interrupted inferior vena cava and persistence of hepatic vessel plexus. Using the superior vena cava route, the PDA was closed successfully.

Impact of prior antibiotic use in culture-negative endocarditis: review of 86 cases from southern Pakistan

BACKGROUND

A large number of patients treated at our hospital for endocarditis have negative cultures. Taking into consideration the fact that many of these patients receive antibiotics prior to referral, we decided to study culture-negative endocarditis in Pakistan.

METHODS

The medical records of all patients admitted to the Aga Khan University Hospital, Pakistan, for the period from 1988 to 2001, with an underlying diagnosis of infective endocarditis (IE) and negative cultures, were reviewed.

RESULTS

Of the 159 patients diagnosed with IE by revised Duke criteria, 86 (54.1%) had persistent negative cultures. More than half of these patients (52%) had received antibiotics before being referred to our center. Patients with culture-negative endocarditis were less likely to be classified as definite endocarditis by revised Duke criteria (p<0.001, 95% CI 0.07-0.3) or to have large vegetations (p=0.021, 95% CI 0.05-0.5), and more likely to have a mitral valve prolapse (p=0.003, 95% CI 1.6-2.3). Definite endocarditis (p=0.042, 95% CI 1.02-7.4), heart failure (p=0.008, 95% CI 1.4-12.7), renal failure (p=0.017, 95% CI 1.16-40.7), embolism (p=0.019, 95% CI 1.2-38.8), and neurological complications (p=0.02, 95% CI 1.16-9.2) were associated with an increased mortality.

CONCLUSION

Culture-negative endocarditis is very common among patients with IE in Pakistan. The presentation, laboratory findings, and complications are similar to those for culture-positive endocarditis. It is postulated that previous antibiotic treatment is the most common cause of culture-negative endocarditis in our hospital.

Kawashima operation: functional modification of bidirectional Glen shunt with left superior vena cava in single ventricular morphology

Single ventricle physiology offers limited options with significant morbidity and mortality. The Glenn shunt is a mid-stage procedure for the Fontan circulation. With persistent left Superior Vena Cava (SVC) and Azygos continuation of the Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) to the SVC, needs the development of bilateral bidirectional Glenn shunts. Fifteen patients underwent Bidirectional Glen shunt procedure over a period of ten years. Of these two were found to have left SVC along with interrupted IVC and its Azygos continuation to the SVC. These two patients underwent the Kawashima operation. A seven years old girl was admitted via emergency with severe cyanosis. She had tricuspid atresia, azygos continuation of IVC with single ventricle physiology. She had a complicated postoperative course with prolonged hospital stay after bilateral bidirectional Glen shunt (Kawashima operation). She successfully has completed Fontan after 5 years. The second case ofa 7 year old girl had elective surgery for DORV (double outlet right ventricle), pulmonary atresia and azygos continuation of IVC and persistent left SVC. She had an uneventful postoperative course. The Kawashima operation is an established surgical procedure to deal with bilateral SVCs. The procedure is safe; outcome is favourable and prepares the patient for total cavo-pulmonary shunt.

Combined treatment for multiple cardiac defects with interventional techniques

Multiple congenital cardiac defects are usually addressed by cardiac surgery. We present our experience with simultaneous transcatheter treatment of multiple defects in children. Ten children, six females and four males, with multiple defects underwent treatment with interventional technique. The mean age was 4.4 +/- 2.6 years (range, 7 months to 8 years). The cardiac diagnosis was patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and valvular pulmonary stenosis (PS) in two, atrial septal defect (ASD) and PDA in two, ASD and PS in two, PDA and aortic stenosis (AS) in three (severe left ventricular dysfunction in two), and perimembranous ventricular septal defect (VSD) and valvular PS in one. The ASDs were closed with an Amplatzer septal occluder (mean size, 16 +/- 4 mm), four PDAs were closed with an Amplatzer duct occluder, and three with a Cook's detectable coil. Mean balloon size used to dilate the pulmonary valve was 18 +/- 4 mm, and for the aortic valve this was 12 +/- 2 mm. There was a 70% (+/-15%) postprocedure reduction of gradients across the stenotic valves. The closure rate was 75% for PDAs in the catheterization laboratory, 80% for ASDs, and there was a mild residual intradevice leak in the VSD. In conclusion, interventional technology addressing multiple congenital cardiac defects as a combined procedure in the catheterization laboratory is safe and effective.

Clinical profile and outcome of cyanotic congenital heart disease in neonates

OBJECTIVE

To determine the clinical profile and assess the outcome of all neonates diagnosed with cyanotic congenital heart disease.

STUDY DESIGN

A case series.

PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY

The Aga Khan University Hospital from January 1998 to December 2000.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Neonates admitted with diagnosis of cyanotic congenital heart disease were evaluated for clinical diagnosis, survival and mortality.

RESULTS

Forty four neonates met the inclusion criteria. Eleven babies (25%) had Tetralogy of Fallot or its variants. Other malformations were d-transposition of great arteries, tricuspid valve anomalies (tricuspid atresia and Ebstein's anomaly), hypoplastic left heart syndrome, truncus arteriosus, total anomalous pulmonary venous return and complex congenital heart disease like single ventricle. Twenty eight (63.6%) neonates survived and 16 (36.4%) expired during hospital stay. Cause of death was surgical in 2 cases and medical problems in 14 babies.

CONCLUSION

Tetralogy of Fallot or variants was the commonest cyanotic heart disease in neonates with frequency of 27.27%. Majority of neonates with congenital cyanotic heart disease showed survival with appropriate management.

Estimation of Pulmonary Vascular Resistance with Doppler Diastolic Gradients

This study was undertaken to determine the diastolic Doppler echocardiographic correlates of pulmonary vascular resistance calculated on cardiac catheterization in patients with secondary pulmonary arterial hypertension. Thirty-eight consecutive patients with congenital heart disease, pulmonary artery hypertension and pulmonary regurgitation were studied. Continuous-wave Doppler-derived pulmonary artery diastolic gradients were measured at 3 points on the pulmonary regurgitant diastolic velocity slope: peak diastolic, end-diastolic (at the R wave on the electrocardiogram), and mid-diastolic (midway between the peak and end-diastolic points). Catheterization data included oximetry, measurements of pressure in the cardiac chambers and great arteries, and calculation of pulmonary vascular resistance index. Doppler-derived peak, mid, and end-diastolic pulmonary regurgitation gradients correlated best with catheterization-measured pulmonary artery systolic, mean and diastolic pressures, respectively. The best Doppler correlate of pulmonary vascular resistance index was the pulmonary artery end-diastolic gradient. Clinically useful information can be obtained from Doppler pulmonary artery diastolic gradients measured on the pulmonary regurgitant diastolic velocity slope, which can estimate the pulmonary arterial pressure as well as pulmonary vascular resistance obtained on cardiac catheterization.

Modified Blalock–Taussig Shunt: Immediate and Short-Term Follow-Up Results in Neonates

INTRODUCTION

The modified Blalock-Taussig shunt (MBTS) is the most commonly created systemic-pulmonary shunt in neonates with cyanotic heart disease. Morbidity and mortality after MBTS is associated with several factors including age, pulmonary artery diameter and the baseline cardiac anatomy. The objective of this research was to describe the immediate and short-term follow-up results of MBTS in Pakistani neonates.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A retrospective review of patient charts was done to select 22 neonatal cases of various types of cyanotic heart diseases who had undergone MBTS creation from 1999 to 2005. Clinical and echocardiographic data were collected. Patients were followed up on their post-operative visits. Twenty-two neonates, 14 males and 8 females, mean age 11.2+/-6.9, underwent MBTS surgery during the six-year period of study. Pulmonary artery diameters were 3+/-0.2 and 2.9+/-0.2 for the right and left arteries, respectively. All patients received a 4mm Gor-Tex shunt through a postero-lateral thoracotomy approach. The mean duration of post-operative mechanical ventilation was 3.9+/-4.5 days. Three neonates (13.6%) died within one month of surgery while another three (13.6%) died after three months of surgery. Among these deaths, two were due to shunt occlusion/failure (9%) and the rest were due to non-cardiac causes. Another two patients underwent revision of surgery after shunt failure. Pulmonary atresia with intact interventricular septum was the most common cardiac anomaly in our series.

CONCLUSIONS

The mortality rate in neonates is highest during the first post-operative month. Shunt thrombosis and occlusion can be sudden and fatal therefore coagulation profile should be carefully monitored especially in the peri-operative period. PA-IVS was the most common anatomical variant in our limited experience and had high morbidity and mortality rate after surgery.

Transcatheter closure of small-to-large patent ductus arteriosus with different devices: queries and challenges

Transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) has been in place for more than three decades. We share our experience with the newer devices.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Ninety-eight patients, with a mean age of 64 +/- 11 months (range 7 months to 54 years), underwent attempted transcatheter closure of PDA. Thirty-seven patients were infants and 10 were adults. Two patients had residual PDA after surgical ligation. There were 66 females and 32 males.

RESULTS

Sixty-six patients were symptomatic and 32 were asymptomatic. Cardiac catheterization showed significant pulmonary hypertension in 18. The mean size of the PDA on aortogram was 3.1 +/- 1.4 mm (range 1.1 to 11 mm). Seven patients were referred for surgical ligation. The PDAs of 37 patients were closed using coil devices, 52 with Amplatzer duct occluders (ADO) and two with Amplatzer muscular VSD devices. One patient had a very large PDA which was embolized and retrieved surgically. One patient required occlusion with two coils. The occlusion rate in the catheterization laboratory with coils was 84 +/- 7%, and 83% with ADO. After 1 week, the occlusion rate for coils was 96%, and 99% with ADO. One patient with a large PDA requiring a 14/12 ADO was left with a mild gradient of 9 mmHg in the aorta at the end of the procedure. None of our patients had stenosis of the left pulmonary artery.

CONCLUSION

Transcatheter closure of PDA is the preferred alternative to surgical ligation, which should be reserved for small infants and premature babies or large unfavorably-shaped ducts.

Impact of screening on presentation and survival of colorectal cancer

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Background: There is an increasing emphasis and utilization of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. We evaluated the effect of screening on CRC presentation and outcome. Methods: We reviewed all the invasive CRC cases diagnosed between Jan 1995-Dec 2005 at the Cincinnati Veteran’s Affairs hospital. Individual case records were reviewed and the data collected including patient demographics, treatment, outcome, mode of presentation as well as whether CRC was detected as a result of screening. Results: Altogether 288 patients were diagnosed with CRC during the study period. The median age at presentation was 69.3 years and 18.8% were African-Americans. Early stage CRC was diagnosed in 63.4% cases (stage 1: 32.7%, stage 2: 30.8%) and 33.3% were diagnosed at advanced stage (stage 3: 18.1% and stage 4: 15.3%). Seventy seven (26.7%) CRCs were asymptomatic at presentation and were diagnosed as a result of screening. Predominant screening modalities included fecal occult blood testing (46.8%) and flexible sigmoidoscopy (22.1%). The proportion of screen- detected cases increased from 19% in 1995–1999 to 32% in 2000–05 (p = 0.047). Demographics, including age and race, as well as the site of CRC were similar to symptomatic cases. Screen-detected cancers presented early, with 77.9% presenting at early stage (stage 1: 55.8%, stage 2: 22.1%), compared to 51.5% (stage 1: 21.0%, stage 2: 30.5%) of symptomatic cancers (p <0.01). Only 1.3% of screen-detected CRC was found to be metastatic as compared to 21.0% of the symptomatic cases. The screen-detected cancers had significant survival advantage compared to symptomatic cases; with median survival being 81 months vs. 43 months in the latter (p =0.018). A proportional hazard regression analysis indicated that this improvement in survival was related to the fact that screening resulted in earlier stage at diagnosis. Only 20.3% of screen-detected CRC received adjuvant chemotherapy compared to 41.4% of symptomatic cases (p=0.002). Conclusions: An increasing proportion of CRC is being diagnosed as a result of screening. These cancers present at an earlier stage and are associated with a significantly improved survival. However, most CRC still presents symptomatically and more effective population screening is needed.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Esophageal cancer at the VA: Does histology matter?

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Introduction: In recent years esophageal cancer has shown a shift from largely squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) histology to adenocarcinoma (AC). This is felt to be due to changing risk factor profiles among the American population. Methods: The VA Central Cancer Registry is a function of the Chief, Program Office for Oncology at VA Headquarters in Washington DC. We queried the VACCR database for all diagnosed esophageal cancer cases between 1995 and 2005 using ICD codes 150–159. The data was transformed, entered and analyzed using SPSS v.13.0. Results: There were a total of 6874 cases diagnosed between 1995 and 2005. Out of those, 2968 (43.2%) were diagnosed with AC and 2894 (42.1%) with SCC. Black patients were more likely to have SCC than AC. Baseline characteristics are summarized in table 1 . Staging information was available in 2823 (48.1%) patients. Patients with AC were more likely to present with metastatic disease than those with SCC (52.7% vs. 44.3%). Median survival in AC was better than SCC for non-metastatic disease (12.3 mo vs. 8.6 mo, p=0.0009). No difference in survival was seen in metastatic disease between the two histologies (AC 4.2 mo vs. SCC 3.97 mo p=0.537). In Cox- regression analysis using variables including race, histology, stage, grade and treatment, only histology, stage, grade and treatment were significant predictors of survival. Conclusions: In non-metastatic esophageal cancer at the VA, SCC has worse outcome compared to AC. However, in metastatic disease, SCC and AC have similar outcome. We recommend further studies to determine if the differences in histology are determined by biological or lifestyle differences.

[Table: see text]

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in the VA population: What is the optimal treatment modality

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Introduction: Surgery for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) has been the mainstay of treatment despite dismal outcome and significant surgical complications. There is no standard treatment modality for esophageal SCC. Methods: The VA (veteran affairs) Central Cancer Registry (VACCR) is a function of the Chief, Program Office for Oncology at VA Headquarters in Washington DC. We queried the VACCR database for all diagnosed squamous cell esophageal cancer cases between 1995 and 2005 using ICD codes 150–159. The data was transformed, entered and analyzed using SPSS v.13.0. We analyzed, in a retrospective fashion, survival in VA patients with early disease (stages 1–2), and locally advanced (stage 3) SCC comparing the treatment modality: chemoradiation alone (CRT), surgical resection alone (SUR) or trimodality therapy (TMT) which includes all three treatment options. Results: Out of a total of 6874 patients diagnosed with esophageal carcinoma, 2894 patients had SCC. A total of 433 patients were included in this study that were staged as 1–3 and had complete treatment information available. Baseline characteristics were not different between the three groups and are summarized in table 1 . Out of those, 57 (13.2%) received SUR, 323 (74.6%) CRT, and 53 (12.2%) TMT. Kaplan Meier analysis for median survival in early disease was 14 mo for SUR, 17 mo in CR, and 79 mo in TMT (p = 0.0288). There was no difference in survival among patients with locally advanced disease between the treatment groups (p = 0.7079) Conclusion: In VA patients with early esophageal SCC, TMT confers better survival than SUR or CRT. However, in patients with advanced disease, SUR, CRT and TMT groups showed comparable outcome.

[Table: see text]

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Surgical removal of an embolised patent ductus arteriosus amplatzer occluding device in a 4-year-old girl

Alternative strategy of non-surgical closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is presently the first line of therapy. Several devices are being used for transcatheter closure of PDA. A four-year-old girl underwent a second attempt at PDA closure with an amplatzer device. However, after the deployment of the device it got dislodged into the right pulmonary artery hilum. Several attempts by catheter retrieval failed. The girl underwent surgical removal of the device which was complicated by pulmonary artery injury and subsequent repair was performed on cardiopulmonary bypass.

Cardiac disease in beta-thalassaemia major: Is it reversible?

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to evaluate the spectrum of cardiac involvement and its outcome in beta-thalassaemia major.

METHODS

There were 75 patients with a mean age of 13.8 (+/- 5.5) years, of whom 33 were male and 42 were female. Clinical history, examination and laboratory investigations were assessed. Electrocardiograms, chest radiographs and echocardiograms were reviewed.

RESULTS

44 patients had cardiac involvement in the form of left ventricular systolic dysfunction in 17, diastolic dysfunction in 22, pericardial effusion in 12 and pulmonary hypertension in 12 patients. With intense chelation therapy and cardiac medications, the condition of 13 of 17 patients with systolic dysfunction, and four of 22 with diastolic dysfunction, improved.

CONCLUSION

Cardiac disease is a common complication of siderotic disease in thalassaemia major and it can be prevented with regular chelation. This study has shown improved systolic function after regular chelation therapy.

Improvement of survival in VA patients with gall bladder cancer given chemotherapy

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Background: Gallbladder carcinoma, though rare, has very poor prognosis. Most of patients with gall bladder carcinoma present with either unresectable disease or metastasis. Median survival in gall bladder carcinoma has been documented to be 6 months in SEER data. There is no data available on the outcome of Veterans’ Affair (VA) patients with gall bladder carcinoma. Impact of chemotherapy in adjuvant and metastatic setting is not well-studied. Methods: We used the VA Central Cancer Registry (VACCR) to analyze VA patients with Gall Bladder cancer diagnosed between 1995 and 2005. The reference date for data collection and reporting is January 1, 1995. This site aggregates the data collected by the medical centers’ cancer registries. Data was entered and analyzed using bio-statistical software SPSS. Results: There were a total of 232 patients. Of these, 185 (79.7%) were whites and 37 (15.9%) were blacks. The mean age was 71 years. Pathology was adenocarcinoma in 198 (85.3%), non-specified carcinoma in 29 (12.5%) and small cell carcinoma in 5 (2.2%) cases. Overall median survival was 5.27 months. Surgery was performed in 119 patients (51%). Only 19 (16%) patients received adjuvant chemotherapy. The baseline characteristics were similar between patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy and no adjuvant chemotherapy. Also, the median survival was similar (8.3 months vs. 8.7 months) (P-value 0.37). In patients who did not undergo surgery, the median survival for patients who received chemotherapy was 8.0 months vs 1.7 months for patients who did not receive chemotherapy (p-value 0.013). Eighty-nine (38.5%) patients were diagnosed with stage IV disease. Amongst these patients chemotherapy improved the median survival (2 months vs. 6.97 months; p-value 0.04). In a Cox regression model stage, surgical margins, surgery, chemotherapy were independent predictors of patient survival. Conclusions: Gall bladder carcinoma in VA patients has similar survival compared to other reports. Our data is one of the largest retrospective cohorts in gall bladder cancer and suggests that chemotherapy improves survival in advanced gall bladder cancer patients.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Do racial differences predict survival amongst VA patients with colon cancer?

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Background: Several reports suggested that African-American patients with colon cancer have poor survival. The outcome of colon cancer in patients treated within the VA system is not well studied. Patients treated in the VA usually share common features and socioeconomic class that will allow studying any potential effect of racial difference on outcome. Methods: We used the VA Central Cancer Registry (VACCR) to analyze VA patients with colon cancer diagnosed between 1995–2005. The reference date for data collection and reporting is January 1, 1995. Data are entered by tumor registrars at the VA medical centers. This site aggregates the data collected by the medical centers’ cancer registries. Data was analyzed using bio-statistical software SPSS. Results: There were a total of 14,816 cases with invasive adenocarcinoma.Majority of patients (98%) were males. Median age was 69 years among caucasian patients as compared to 67 years among African- American (p-value <0.005). There was no difference between the two groups with regards to sex, histological grade, histological subtype, use of chemotherapy or radiation therapy. However, African-Americans had less definitive surgery (84% vs. 86%) (p-value 0.003).The staging information was missing or unknown in 59% of the patients. In patients with known stage, no difference was observed.Median survival for caucasians was greater than African-Ameircans (42 months vs. 39 months)(p-value 0.009). Median survival for stage IV patients was not statistically significant between the two groups (8.8 months vs. 8.6 months);(p-value 0.53). Race was not statistically significant independent variable in Cox multiple regression analysis. Conclusions: In the VA system, African-American patients with colon cancer seem to have a trend towards inferior survival. However, race was not an independent prognostic variable. This slight difference could be due to other variables like definitive surgery.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Pulmonary agenesis--vascular airway compression and gastroesophageal reflux influence outcome

Pulmonary agenesis (PA) is a rare malformation that can be isolated or associated with other anomalies. We report 3 cases of left-sided PA having ipsilateral renal agenesis, facial, and radial ray anomalies. Patients presented in infancy with nonspecific respiratory symptoms and were diagnosed to have PA on chest radiograph and computed tomographic scan. Bronchial compression, by dilated pulmonary artery and associated severe gastroesophageal reflux, aggravated respiratory symptoms and required surgical intervention. The relevant literature is briefly reviewed.

Brain abscess in children

OBJECTIVES

Brain abscess is a serious life-threatening complication of several diseases. The objective of this study was to look at the clinical profile of patients, predisposing conditions, microbiology and outcome of children suffering from brain abscess.

METHODS

Thirty children aged less than 15 years were reviewed. There were 15 males and 15 females. The mean age of presentation was 5.6+/-4.4 years.

RESULTS

The duration of illness at the time of admission was 17.6+/-24.6 days. Typically patients presented with fever, vomiting, headache and seizures. The predisposing conditions found were cyanotic congenital heart disease in 11 (37%) of children, meningitis in 6 (20%), septicemia in 7 (23%) and no underlying cause was found in 5 (17%) children. The most common microbe in children with cyanotic congenital heart disease was of the Streptococcus milleri group (52%). Computerized tomography confirmed the diagnosis and the most common location of the abscess was the parietal lobe of the cerebral hemisphere. All abscesses were large, more than 2 cm in diameter and were aspirated surgically. Excision was performed in 6 children. Five children expired, one due to a intracranial bleeding and the others due to severe cerebral edema and tentorial herniation. Complications were seen in 20 children and 16 had sequelae, hemiparesis in 11 and seizure disorder in 5.

CONCLUSION

Brain abscess is a serious infection with poor outcome if diagnosed late. Delayed surgical drainage has high morbidity and mortality. The threshold for diagnosis should be low, particularly in children with a predisposing condition like cyanotic congenital heart disease.

Patent Ductus Arteriosus: An Uncommon Cause of Tracheobronchial Compression in Infants

Tracheobronchial compression is an important cause of respiratory distress in children, requiring precise diagnosis and early surgical management. Common causes of the compression are either intrinsic or extrinsic, the latter being usually due to vascular rings. We report a 10 weeks old boy in whom a dilated pulmonary artery due a large patent ductus arteriosus was the cause for extrinsic compression.

Non-endoscopic parameters for the identification of esophageal varices in patients with chronic hepatitis

OBJECTIVE

To develop non-invasive laboratory variables for the identification of esophageal varices in patients with cirrhosis at Digestive Disease Center, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All patients with chronic viral hepatitis who presented to the Gastroenterology Division between July 2002 to July 2003 were enrolled in the study. All patients with a diagnosis of Chronic Hepatitis who had platelet counts of 140,000, I.N.R of greater than 1.5 and portal vein (PV) diameter of 13 mm or greater were included in the study. All patients underwent endoscopy to see the presence of varices which were graded following the standard criteria

RESULTS

Of 140 patients, 100 (71%) were males and 40 (29%) females. Esophageal varices were present in 70% of the patients while 30% had no varices.

CONCLUSION

It was seen that using the standard criteria of a PV diameter 13 mm, I.N.R 1.5 and platelet counts 100,000 for the diagnosis of portal hypertension about 70% patients had endoscopic evidence of esophageal varices. As prophylactic beta blockers are recommended to reduce the chances of a bleed from esophageal varices therefore it is suggested that endoscopy should be done only in patients who fulfill the standard criteria of portal hypertension and those found to have varices should be put on beta blockers.

Sengers disease: a rare association of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and congenital cataracts

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is an uncommon childhood cardiac disease and can be primary or secondary. Several systemic diseases are known to be associated with this entity. Senger's disease is a mitochondrial disorder causing congenital cataracts lactic acidosis and skeletal and cardiac myopathy. Diagnosis should be kept in mind when routine neonatal eye screening reveals absent red reflex. The authors report a case of Sengers disease and discuss the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms.