15-Year follow-up of regional right and left ventricular function after the Senning operation: a Colour-Doppler myocardial imaging study

INTRODUCTION

Despite right ventricular (RV) dysfunction being a major concern in Senning patients, long-term follow-up data is lacking. This study aimed (1) at evaluating regional (base-mid-apex) RV and left ventricular (LV) function using Colour-Doppler myocardial imaging over a 15-year follow-up period and (2) at comparing results with matched controls.

METHODS

For the longitudinal analysis (2004-2019), we compared systolic and diastolic function in 10 Senning patients. For the cross-sectional analysis, we compared the subaortic RV (sRV) of Senning patients with the RV and LV of matched controls and the subpulmonary LV (spLV) of Senning patients with the LV of matched controls.

RESULTS

The longitudinal analysis of sRV function showed a significant decrease in apical peak systolic strain (-17 ± 7% vs -12 ± 4%; p = 0.025) and apical peak systolic strain rate (-1.1 ± 0.3s^-1 vs -0.8 ± 0.4s^-1; p = 0.012). spLV function showed a significant decrease in peak systolic velocity (mid; p = 0.013 and apex; p = 0.011) and peak systolic strain rate (mid; p = 0.048). The cross-sectional analysis revealed significant lower values for basal, mid and apical peak systolic velocity, peak systolic strain rate, peak systolic strain of the sRV of Senning patients when compared to both LV and RV of matched controls (all p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that systolic and diastolic sRV function did not change over a 15-year follow-up period, except in the apical region. There was a decline in spLV systolic function, which may be of clinical value. On the other hand, when compared to age- and gender-matched controls, the sRV of Senning patients exhibits significantly decreased measurements of longitudinal systolic function.

Intermediate-term neurodevelopmental outcomes and quality of life after arterial switch operation beyond early neonatal period

OBJECTIVES

The study objective was to evaluate the cardiac, neurodevelopmental, psycho-social and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes of children who underwent an arterial switch operation (ASO).

METHODS

Children who underwent ASO were evaluated on follow-up at 3-5 years with cardiovascular, neurodevelopmental and HRQOL assessment using validated tools. Children with developmental delay, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, neuromotor and speech and language impairment were considered to have neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD). The impact of socioeconomic status (Kuppuswamy classification), perioperative cardiac, nutritional and psycho-social factors on outcomes was analysed.

RESULTS

There were 61 (89.7%) survivors at a mean follow-up of 50.9 ± 7.6 months. The median age at surgery was 41 days (22-74.5). One-third of patients had growth restriction. Two children had residual cardiovascular lesions requiring intervention. The mean HRQOL score was >90 in all scales of the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ 3.0 Cardiac Module. Neurological abnormalities were seen in 19 patients (31.1%) of whom 17 (27.9%) patients had NDD and 12 had developmental delay. Speech and language impairment, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and neuromotor impairment were found in 16.4%, 3.3% and 6.7% patients, respectively. On multivariate analysis, increasing time to lactate normalization and low socioeconomic status were associated with developmental delay after ASO.

CONCLUSIONS

While intermediate-term cardiac outcomes and HRQOL after ASO were fairly satisfactory, NDD was identified in one-fourth of these children. Increasing time to lactate normalization after ASO and low socioeconomic status were associated with suboptimal intermediate neurodevelopment outcomes after ASO.

Assessment of ventricular flow dynamics by 4D-flow MRI in patients following surgical repair of d-transposition of the great arteries

Objectives

To use 4D-flow MRI to describe systemic and non-systemic ventricular flow organisation and energy loss in patients with repaired d-transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA) and normal subjects.

Methods

Pathline tracking of ventricular volumes was performed using 4D-flow MRI data from a 1.5-T GE Discovery MR450 scanner. D-TGA patients following arterial switch (n = 17, mean age 14 ± 5 years) and atrial switch (n = 15, 35 ± 6 years) procedures were examined and compared with subjects with normal cardiac anatomy and ventricular function (n = 12, 12 ± 3 years). Pathlines were classified by their passage through the ventricles as direct flow, retained inflow, delayed ejection flow, and residual volume and visually and quantitatively assessed. Additionally, viscous energy losses (EL_v) were calculated.

Results

In normal subjects, the ventricular flow paths were well ordered following similar trajectories through the ventricles with very little mixing of flow components. The flow paths in all atrial and some arterial switch patients were more irregular with high mixing. Direct flow and delayed ejection flow were decreased in atrial switch patients’ systemic ventricles with a corresponding increase in residual volume compared with normal subjects (p = 0.003 and p < 0.001 respectively) and arterial switch patients (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.001 respectively). In non-systemic ventricles, arterial switch patients had increased direct flow and decreased delayed ejection fractions compared to normal (p = 0.007 and p < 0.001 respectively) and atrial switch patients (p = 0.01 and p < 0.001 respectively). Regions of high levels of mixing of ventricular flow components showed elevated EL_v.

Conclusions

4D-flow MRI pathline tracking reveals disordered ventricular flow patterns and associated EL_v in d-TGA patients.

Key Points

• 4D-flow MRI can be used to assess intraventricular flow dynamics in d-TGA patients.

• d-TGA arterial switch patients mostly show intraventricular flow dynamics representative of normal subjects, while atrial switch patients show increased flow disorder and different proportions of intraventricular flow volumes.

• Flow disruption and disorder increase viscous energy losses.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00330-021-07813-0.

Role of Computed Tomography in Postoperative Follow-up of Arterial Switch Operation

An arterial switch operation (ASO) is the standard treatment for infants and children born with D-loop transposition of the great arteries. During the ASO, the great vessels are transected from the native roots, switched and anastomosed with the opposite roots. This is accompanied by the relocation of the pulmonary artery anterior to the aorta by using the LeCompte maneuver and the translocation of coronary arteries to the neo-aorta. ASO has led to improved overall survival, and postoperative mortality is rare. Despite the improved outcomes, several postoperative sequelae may occur, and therefore patients require long-term follow-up. Computed tomography (CT) has emerged as a robust imaging modality in pre and postoperative evaluation of a variety of congenital heart disorders including ASO. Unlike echocardiography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance, CT is not hindered by a poor acoustic window, metallic devices or the need for sedation or general anesthesia. CT with advanced three-dimensional postprocessing techniques, high pitch scanning, wider detector system, electrocardiogram-dependent modulation and dose-reduction strategies is invaluable in assessing the postoperative complications after ASO.

[Integrated management and prognosis analysis of fetus with complete transposition of the great arteries during pregnancy and perinatal period]

Objective: To investigate the prenatal diagnosis, integrated management and prognosis of fetal complete transposition of the great arteries (D-TGA) detected by ultrasonography. Methods: The prenatal diagnosis, integrated management and prognosis of 19 D-TGA fetuses found by ultrasound during pregnancy in Peking University People's Hospital from January 2014 to June 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. Results: The incidence of D-TGA was 0.12% (19/16 028) among fetuses diagnosed by ultrasound during 5 years. Among the 19 cases, there were 7 cases (7/19) of D-TGA alone, 7 cases (7/19) of D-TGA combined with ventricular septal defect (VSD), 5 cases (5/19) of D-TGA combined with other cardiac malformations; 2 cases (2/19) of D-TGA combined with extra cardiac malformations, and 1 case (1/19) of fetal growth restriction. Nuchal translucency (NT) thickening was found in 3 cases (3/19) at the first trimester of pregnancy. Among the 19 D-TGA fetuses found by ultrasound examination, 18 (18/19) had chromosome karyotype analysis of fetuses or newborns, and chromosomal abnormalities were found in 2 cases, all of which were terminated in the second trimester of pregnancy. The integrated management and multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment of D-TGA fetuses during pregnancy and perinatal period were carried out. Nine cases (9/19) had induction in the second trimester of pregnancy, 10 cases (10/19) were delivered at term, and the gestational week of delivery was (38.3±0.7) weeks, among which 6 cases (6/10) were delivered by caesarean section due to obstetric factors, and 4 cases (4/10) were delivered by vaginal birth. The oxygen saturation was (69.2±11.3)% at birth and (77.8±6.7)% when transferred to the department of pediatrics. Except for one case lost to follow-up, the other 9 newborns received operation. The average operation time was (21.8±22.1) days after birth, 8 cases (8/9) completed one operation and 1 case (1/9) performed two operations. All of the 9 cases treated by surgery were followed up well. Conclusions: Prenatal diagnosis, individualized evaluation and integrated management during pregnancy and perinatal period should be carried out for the patients with fetal D-TGA detected by ultrasound. Fetal D-TGA is not an indication of cesarean section. The open of ductus arteriosus can be maintained with drugs when necessary after birth, and a good prognosis could be obtained through surgery.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy for the failing systemic right ventricle: A systematic review

Patients with a systemic right ventricle (SRV) are at high risk for development of heart failure early in life. An SRV is encountered in patients with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (CCTGA) or dextro-transposition of the great arteries (DTGA) with previous atrial switch repair (Mustard or Senning procedure). Progressive heart failure is one of the leading cause of mortality in these patients. Therefore, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has gained increasing momentum for use in this challenging congenital heart disease (CHD) population. However, current guidelines differ in recommendations for CRT in patients with an SRV as evidence supporting CRT has thus far only been described in case reports and retrospectively in relatively small study populations. In fact, the European Society of Cardiology Guideline for the management of grown-up congenital heart disease consider CRT to be 'experimental' in this population. This systematic review critically summarizes current literature on CRT in SRV patients and provides future perspectives for further research in this challenging and growing CHD population.

Association between reduced heart rate variability components and supraventricular tachyarrhythmias in patients with a systemic right ventricle

BACKGROUND

Patients with a systemic right ventricle are prone to develop heart failure. Abnormal heart rate variability (HRV), a measure of autonomic dysfunction, is associated with morbidity and mortality in patients with left ventricular failure. The association between HRV and supraventricular arrhythmias (SVTs), which are associated with adverse events in this population, was assessed.

METHODS

24-Hour Holter recordings of patients with a systemic right ventricle and healthy controls were analysed in a retrospective cohort study. HRV was calculated and compared between groups. Correlation coefficients were determined for HRV variables and clinical characteristics. The relation between HRV and SVTs was investigated with linear regression.

RESULTS

The patient group included 29 patients (69%) late after Mustard or Senning correction for transposition of the great arteries, and 13 patients with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (31%). The control group included 38 subjects. HRV was significantly lower in patients compared with controls. In the patient group, lower SDANN (standard deviation of the average NN intervals calculated over 5-minute intervals) was independently associated with a higher number of supraventricular arrhythmias (95% CI -0.03 to -0.0004, p = 0.045). In exploratory correlation analysis, several HRV variables correlated with echocardiographic systemic right ventricular function (rho = 0.36, p = 0.02 for SDANN), and exercise capacity (rho = 0.39, p = 0.05 for SDANN).

CONCLUSION

In patients with a systemic right ventricle, HRV is lower compared with controls and (SDANN) is independently associated with supraventricular arrhythmias.

Modified Closed Coronary Transfer is a Good Alternative to the Trap-Door Method During Arterial Switch Operation: a Retrospective Propensity-Matched Comparison

Objective

To compare the early and long-term results of patients in whom was performed modified closed coronary transfer with the results of patients in whom was performed trap-door transfer techniques by utilizing propensity-matching analysis to provide optimal identical patient matching for the groups.

Methods

From August 2015 to December 2017, 127 consecutive patients underwent arterial switch operation due to simple and complex transposition of the great arteries, with or without additional arch and complex coronary pattern, by a single surgical team included into the study. Of these, in 70 patients it was performed modified closed coronary transfer technique and in 57 patients it was performed trap-door style coronary transfer technique. The patients were divided into two groups in terms of coronary transfer method. In the final model, after propensity matching, 47 patients from each group having similar propensity score were included into the study.

Results

There was no significant difference between the groups regarding patient characteristics. Cross-clamp time and operation time were significantly lower in the modified technique group compared with the other group (P=0.03 and P=0.05, respectively). When compared the early and late postoperative outcomes, there was no significant difference between the groups. Postoperative echocardiographic findings were mostly similar between the groups.

Conclusion

The patients in whom was performed our modified technique demonstrate overall good outcomes and the current technique ensures shorter arterial cross-clamp and operation times. It may be an alternative method to the trap-door technique for the coronary transfer during the arterial switch operation.

Repaired Congenital Heart Disease in Older Children and Adults: Up-to-Date Practical Assessment and Characteristic Imaging Findings

Because of a recent increase in survival rates and life expectancy of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD), radiologists are facing new challenges when imaging the peculiar anatomy of individuals with repaired CHD. Cardiac computed tomography and magnetic resonance are paramount noninvasive imaging tools that are useful in assessing patients with repaired CHD, and both techniques are increasingly performed in centers where CHD is not the main specialization. This review provides general radiologists with insight into the main issues of imaging patients with repaired CHD, and the most common findings and complications of each individual pathology and its repair.

Comparative Outcomes of Primary Arterial Switch Operation for Transposition of Great Arteries within the First Month of Life

Background: The optimal surgical plan to correct the simple transposition of the great arteries (TGA) is the arterial switch operation (ASO). This study aimed to assess the outcomes of ASO in infants with simple TGA with a special focus on the time of surgery. Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 105 infants with simple TGA who underwent ASO and categorized them into 3 groups based on the time of repair: first week of life: Group A; second week of life: Group B; and third week of life: Group C. The endpoints, comprised of an assessment of pre- and postoperative outcomes, complications, and survival, were compared between the groups. Results: The mean age of the infants was 10.50±6.26 days, and 61 (58.1%) cases were male. The mean number of days on dopamine was 1.85±0.12 in Group A, 2.48±0.03 in Group B, and 2.67±0.08 in Group C (P<0.001). The mean number of days on epinephrine was 1.25±0.07 in Group B and 1.27±0.08 in Group C (P<0.001). The mean number of days on the ventilator was 3.52±0.20 in Group A, 4.56±0.24 in Group B, and 5.06±0.21 in Group C (P<0.001). The mean number of days of ICU stay was 6.69±0.21 in Group A, 8.46±0.57 in Group B, and 9.70±0.64 in Group C (P<0.001). The infants in Group A had a greater survival rate (97.0%) than those in Group B (94.1%) and Group C (78.4%) (P=0.042). Conclusion: ASO in infants with simple TGA can be done within the first week of life with satisfactory outcomes and survival.

Living-donor lung transplantation after surgical repair of transposition of the great arteries

Pediatric pulmonary hypertension after surgery for congenital heart disease is a significant complication. We present a case of living-donor lung transplantation for a 12-year-old girl with pulmonary hypertension after surgical repair of transposition of great arteries. Despite repairing the transposition of great arteries, her growth was severely restricted because of progressive pulmonary hypertension; thus, lung transplantation was discussed. Standard bilateral lobar transplantation seemed unfeasible due to oversized grafts, so we performed a single lobar transplantation. Unexpectedly, she developed complications and died 3 months postoperatively despite another emergent lobar transplantation. We discussed the challenges and potential solutions regarding lobar size mismatching.

Coronary artery spasm in a neonate with transposition of great arteries: a rare complication and reason for heart transplant

Arterial switch operation has become the standard of care for d-transposition of great arteries and has excellent short- and long-term outcomes. We report the case of a newborn with a diagnosis of d-transposition of great arteries with intact ventricular septum and a low-risk coronary artery anatomy who developed coronary artery vasospasm while coming off bypass following arterial switch operation in the operating room. The coronary artery spasm led to severe biventricular dysfunction and need for extracorporeal membranous oxygenation support. Despite extracorporeal membranous oxygenation and inotropic support, there was no improvement in the left ventricular function, and cardiac transplantation was performed after 8 days. The explanted heart showed extensive infarction of both ventricles. Both the coronary ostei were patent with no evidence of thrombus, suggesting coronary artery vasospasm rather than embolus or thrombus formation. This is the first case of coronary artery vasospasm in a neonate with d-transposition of great arteries leading to cardiac transplantation. We speculate that early identification of patients who are at a high risk for coronary vasospasm and prophylactic or timely infusion of papaverine directly into the coronary arteries may be beneficial in this condition.

Prenatal Diagnosis of Dextrocardia with Complex Congenital Heart Disease Using Fetal Intelligent Navigation Echocardiography (FINE) and a Literature Review

Fetal dextrocardia is a type of cardiac malposition where the major axis from base to apex points to the right side. This condition is usually associated with a wide spectrum of complex cardiac defects. As a result, dextrocardia is conceptually difficult to understand and diagnose on prenatal ultrasound. The advantage of four-dimensional sonography with spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) is that this modality can facilitate fetal cardiac examination. A novel method known as fetal intelligent navigation echocardiography (FINE) allows automatic generation of nine standard fetal echocardiography views in normal hearts by applying intelligent navigation technology to STIC volume datasets. In fetuses with congenital heart disease, FINE is also able to demonstrate abnormal cardiac anatomy and relationships when there is normal cardiac axis and position. However, this technology has never been applied to cases of cardiac malposition. We report herein for the first time, a case of fetal dextrocardia and situs solitus with complex congenital heart disease in which the FINE method was invaluable in diagnosing multiple abnormalities and defining complex anatomic relationships. We also review the literature on prenatal sonographic diagnosis of dextrocardia (with an emphasis on situs solitus), as well as tricuspid atresia with its associated cardiac features.

Early childhood language outcomes after arterial switch operation: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Developmental and language outcomes at 2 years of age of children who had arterial switch operation (ASO) for transposition of the great arteries 2004-2010 are described.

METHODS

In this prospective cohort study, 91/98 (93 %) children who underwent ASO were assessed at 2 years of age with the Bayley Scales of Infant & Toddler Development-3rd Edition. Outcomes were compared by patient and perioperative variables using bivariate and multivariate regression analyses to identify predictors of language delay.

RESULTS

Infants without ventricular septal defect (VSD) (n = 60) were more likely to be outborn (73 vs 58 %, p = 0.038), require septostomy (80 vs 58 %, p = 0.026), have a shorter cross clamp time (min) (62.7 vs 73.0, p = 0.019), and a lower day 1 post-operative plasma lactate (mmol/L) (3.9 vs 4.8, p = 0.010). There were no differences in cognitive, motor and language outcomes based on presence of a VSD. Language delay (<85) of 29 % was 1.8 times higher than the normative sample; risk factors for this in multivariate analyses included <12 years of maternal education (AOR 19.3, 95 % CI 2.5-148.0) and cross-clamp time ≥70 min (AOR 14.5, 95 % CI 3.1-68.5). Maternal education <12 years was associated with lower Language Composite Scores (-20.2, 95 % CI -32.3 to -9.1).

CONCLUSIONS

Outcomes at 2 years of age in children who undergo ASO are comparable to the normative sample with the exception of language. There is a risk of language delay for which maternal education and cross-clamp duration are predictors. These findings suggest that focused post-operative early language interventions could be considered.

Left Ventricular Function after Arterial Switch Operation as Assessed by Two-Dimensional Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography in Patients with Simple Transposition of the Great Arteries

Background: The late postoperative course for children with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) with an intact ventricular septum (IVS) is very important because the coronary arteries may be at risk of damage during arterial switch operation (ASO). We sought to investigate left ventricular function in patients with TGA/IVS by echocardiography. Methods: From March 2011 to December 2012, totally 20 infants (12 males and 8 females) with TGA/IVS were evaluated via 2-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D STE) more than 6 months after they underwent ASO. A control group of age-matched infants and children was also studied. Left ventricular longitudinal strain (S), strain rate (SR), time to peak systolic longitudinal strain (TPS), and time to peak systolic longitudinal strain rate (TPSR) were measured and compared between the 2 groups. Results: Mean ± SD of age at the time of study in the patients with TGA/IVS was 15 ± 5 months, and also age at the time of ASO was 12 ± 3 days. Weight was 3.13 ± 0.07 kg at birth and 8.83 ± 1.57 kg at the time of ASO. Global strain (S), Time to peak strain rate (TPSR), and Time to peak strain (TPS) were not significantly different between the 2 groups, whereas global strain rate (SR) was significantly different (p value < 0.001). In the 3-chamber view, the values of S in the lateral, septal, inferior, and anteroseptal walls were significantly different between the 2 groups (p value < 0.001), and SR in the posterior wall was significantly different between the 2 groups (p value < 0.001). There were no positive correlations between S and SR in terms of the variables of heart rate, total cardiopulmonary bypass time, and aortic cross-clamp time. There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups regarding S, SR, TPS, and TPSR in the anteroseptal and posterior walls in the 3-chamber view and in the lateral and septal walls in the 4-chamber view. Conclusion: We showed that between 6 and 18 months after a successful ASO, the parameters of S, SR, and global TPS were normal in our patients with TGA/IVS. However, LV myocardial TPSR did not normalize in this time period.

Midterm results of anatomic repair in a subgroup of corrected transposition

BACKGROUND

Anatomic repair has become the preferred option in the subgroup of patients with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries with ventricular septal defect and pulmonary obstruction. We report our 14-year experience with this approach.

METHODS

From April 2001 to February 2014, 22 patients with congenitally corrected transposition with ventricular septal defect and pulmonary obstruction underwent anatomic repair. Nineteen patients had a modified Senning-Rastelli procedure, 2 had a Mustard-Rastelli procedure, and one had a hemi-Mustard-Glenn-Rastelli procedure. The mean age was 10.9 years, and 8 (36.4%) patients were male.

RESULTS

There were 2 early deaths from sepsis and ventricular failure at 18 and 81 days postoperatively, and 3 late deaths from ventricular failure at 4, 33, and 113 months postoperatively. Left ventricular failure with mitral valve regurgitation was present in 3 of the 5 patients who died. Among the survivors, 3 underwent 4 transcatheter interventions for right ventricular outflow tract obstruction and 3 underwent 4 reoperations for atrial pathway obstruction, left and right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, or residual shunt. At a median follow-up of 64 months (range 14-167 months), 15 of 17 survivors were in functional class I. One patient had severe mitral valve regurgitation and was awaiting valve replacement. Another patient had right ventricular outflow conduit obstruction and was scheduled for reoperation.

CONCLUSIONS

Results of atrial switch-Rastelli procedures in this subgroup of patients with corrected transposition are satisfactory but still imperfect. Mitral regurgitation might predict a poor outcome. Long-term follow-up is necessary.

Long-Term Follow-Up of the Half-Turned Truncal Switch Operation for Transposition of the Great Arteries with Ventricular Septal Defect and Pulmonary Stenosis

The half-turned truncal switch (HTTS) operation has been reported as an alternative to the Rastelli or réparation à l’étage ventriculaire procedures. HTTS prevents left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction in patients with complete transposition of the great arteries (TGA) with a ventricular septal defect (VSD) and pulmonary stenosis (PS), or in those with a Taussig-Bing anomaly with PS. The advantages of the HTTS procedure are avoidance of late LVOT or right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) obstruction, and of overstretching of the pulmonary artery. We report the case of a patient who underwent HTTS for TGA with VSD and PS, in whom there was no LVOT obstruction and only mild aortic regurgitation and mild RVOT obstruction, including observations at 12-year follow-up. Our experience with long-term follow-up of HTTS supports a solution for late complications after the Rastelli procedure.

Is the Lecompte technique the last word on transposition of the great arteries repair for all patients? A magnetic resonance imaging study including a spiral technique two decades postoperatively

OBJECTIVES

To compare the Lecompte technique and the spiral anastomosis (complete anatomic correction) two decades after arterial switch operation (ASO).

METHODS

Nine patients after primary ASO with Lecompte and 6 selected patients after spiral anastomosis were evaluated 20.8 ± 2.1 years after ASO versus matched controls. Blood flow dynamics and flow profiles (e.g. vorticity, helicity) in the great arteries were quantified from time-resolved 3D magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) phase contrast flow measurements (4D flow MR) in addition to a comprehensive anatomical and functional cardiovascular MRI analysis.

RESULTS

Compared with spiral reconstruction, patients with Lecompte showed more vortex formation, supranatural helical blood flow (relative helicity in aorta: 0.036 vs 0.089; P < 0.01), a reduced indexed cross-sectional area of the left pulmonary artery (155 vs 85 mm²/m²; P < 0.001) and more semilunar valve dysfunctions (n = 5 vs 1). There was no difference in elastic aortic wall properties, ventricular function, myocardial perfusion and myocardial fibrosis between the two groups. Cross-sectional area of the aortic sinus was larger in patients than in controls (669 vs 411 mm²/m²; P < 0.01). In the spiral group, the pulmonary root was rotated after ASO more towards the normal left position (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, selected patients with spiral anastomoses showed, two decades after ASO, better physiologically adapted blood flow dynamics, and attained a closer to normal anatomical position of their great arteries, as well as less valve dysfunction. Considering the limitations related to the small number of patients and the novel MRI imaging techniques, these data may provoke reconsidering the optimal surgical approaches to transposition of the great arteries repair.

Pulmonary Root Translocation with the Lecompte Maneuver: For Transposition of the Great Arteries with Ventricular Septal Defect and Pulmonary Stenosis

A five-month-old boy who had undergone previously transcatheter balloon atrioseptostomy at 3 days of age for complete transposition of the great arteries with ventricular septal defect and pulmonary stenosis underwent pulmonary root translocation with the Lecompte maneuver. This operation has the advantages of maintaining pulmonary valve function, preserving the capacity for growth, and avoiding problems inherent to the right ventricular to pulmonary artery conduit. This patient progressed well for 9 months postoperatively and we report this case of pulmonary root translocation with the Lecompte maneuver.

Supravalvular aortic stenosis after arterial switch operation

Supravalvular aortic stenosis as a late complication of transposition of the great arteries is very rare, and only a few cases have been reported. We describe the case of a 14-year-old girl who developed supravalvular aortic stenosis as a late complication of the arterial switch operation for transposition of the great arteries. The narrowed ascending aorta was replaced with a graft. The right pulmonary artery was transected to approach the ascending aorta which adhered severely to the main pulmonary trunk, and we obtained a good operative field.

Executive Function in Children and Adolescents with Critical Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease

Children and adolescents with critical cyanotic congenital heart disease (CHD) are at risk for deficits in aspects of executive function (EF). The primary aim of this investigation was to compare EF outcomes in three groups of children/adolescents with severe CHD and controls (ages 10-19 years). Participants included 463 children/adolescents with CHD [dextro-transposition of the great arteries (TGA), n=139; tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), n=68; and, single-ventricle anatomy requiring Fontan procedure (SVF), n=145] and 111 controls, who underwent laboratory and informant-based evaluation of EF skills. Rates of EF impairment on D-KEFS measures were nearly twice as high for CHD groups (75-81%) than controls (43%). Distinct EF profiles were documented between CHD groups on D-KEFS tasks. Deficits in flexibility/problem-solving and verbally mediated EF skills were documented in all three CHD groups; visuo-spatially mediated EF abilities were impaired in TOF and SVF groups, but preserved in TGA. Parent, teacher, and self-report ratings on the BRIEF highlighted unique patterns of metacognitive and self-regulatory concerns across informants. CHD poses a serious threat to EF development. Greater severity of CHD is associated with worse EF outcomes. With increased understanding of the cognitive and self-regulatory vulnerabilities experienced by children and adolescents with CHD, it may be possible to identify risks early and provide individualized supports to promote optimal neurodevelopment.

Right Ventricular Inflow Obstruction Caused by Supratricuspid Ring after the Conventional Biventricular Repair of Congenitally Corrected Transposition of Great Arteries - A case report -

A seventeen-month-old male baby, who had received conventional biventricular repair for congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries, underwent excision of supratricuspid ring. Although tricuspid valve annulus was marginally small on direct inspection in the operating theater, circumferential excision of supratricuspid ring alone completely relieved the right ventricular inflow obstruction.

Long-term outcomes after an arterial switch operation for simple complete transposition of the great arteries

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Although coronary artery obstruction, aortic insufficiency (AI), and pulmonary stenosis (PS) have been reported after arterial switch operation (ASO), limited long-term studies on ASO exist. Our study aimed to examine long-term outcomes after ASO for simple complete transposition of the great arteries (TGA).

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

All 108 patients with simple complete TGA who underwent ASO at Seoul National University Children's Hospital between 1987 and 2004 were enrolled. We retrospectively reviewed the patients' medical records and the results of various functional and imaging studies.

RESULTS

Among 108 cases of ASO for simple TGA, 96 have been followed-up through the present time (mean follow-up duration was 11.7+/-8.6 years: range= 4 to 23 years). The 20-year rates of freedom from significant AI, PS, and coronary obstruction were 78.6%, 67.8%, and 95.8%, respectively. AI showed a tendency to progress as follow-up time increased in 21.4% of the population studied (p=0.014); however, AS, PS, and PI showed no such progression. Late coronary artery occlusion was not associated with the initial coronary arterial pattern. Re-operations were done for 13 patients (13.5%) at an average of 8+/-4.3 years after ASO. The survival rate was 96%, while the re-operation-free was 90% at 10 years and 83% at 20 years. Most patients showed normal physical growth with good activity {98%; New York Heart Association (NYHA) class 1 activity} and normal development (96%).

CONCLUSION

Although most patients showed normal physical growth and development after successful ASO, meticulous long-term follow-up is necessary because of progressive AI and coronary complications.