Catheter ablation of the left-sided variant of right top pulmonary vein in a case with persistent left superior vena cava

A 50-year-old woman underwent catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. Preoperative computed tomography revealed a left-sided variant of the right top pulmonary vein (PV) and a persistent left superior vena cava. The right top PV was successfully isolated through a wide antral circumferential ablation line simultaneously with the right PVs.

Sutureless Repair of Extracardiac Univentricular Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to evaluate the results of sutureless repair of extracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) with a functional single ventricle at a single institution, including changes in the anastomotic site over time.

METHODS

The database contained 98 patients with single-ventricle anatomy who underwent extracardiac TAPVC repair from 1996 to 2022. The median age and body weight at surgery were 59 days and 3.8 kg, respectively. Eighty-seven patients had heterotaxy syndrome, and 42 had preoperatively obstructed TAPVC. Primary sutureless repair was performed in 18 patients, 13 of whom were neonates. The cross-sectional area of the anastomotic site of the atrium and pericardium was divided by the body surface area, and the changes in this value over time were assessed. The median follow-up was 5.2 years (range, 0-19.4 years).

RESULTS

Operative mortality and late mortality occurred in 2 (2.0%) and 38 (38.8%) patients, respectively. The actuarial survival rate at 5 years postoperatively was 56.2%. Multivariate analysis identified preoperatively obstructed TAPVC as a risk factor for mortality. Recurrent pulmonary venous stenosis (PVS) developed in 25 patients, thus giving a 5-year rate of freedom from PVS of 64.9%. Multivariate analysis revealed that sutureless repair significantly decreased the incidence of recurrent PVS. The cross-sectional anastomotic area tended to grow in accordance with the patients' growth.

CONCLUSIONS

Sutureless repair of extracardiac TAPVC with univentricular anatomy achieved acceptable results. The anastomotic site tended to grow over time and contributed to a decline in the rate of recurrent PVS.

Rare and potentially lethal case of a round lesion in the lung

A pulmonary venous aneurysm (PVA) is extremely rare. A PVA can be either congenital or acquired. Possible symptoms include thoracic pain, dyspnoea, haemoptysis and palpitations but can also occur asymptomatically. Treatment can be conservative or surgical depending on growth and risk of rupture or development of mitral insufficiency, symptoms and thrombus formation. Only a few cases have been described in the literature. A recent case study and a literature review are described below.

A pulmonary artery was embolized in a patient with an occluded pulmonary vein to manage massive hemoptysis

BACKGROUND

Stenosis and obliteration of the pulmonary vein can be developed by multiple diseases and might cause hemoptysis. Traditional therapy including surgical procedure and conservative treatments might be inappropriate choices to manage massive hemoptysis.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 64-year-old man, diagnosed with advanced stage IVA lung squamous cell carcinoma, presented with dyspnea and recurrent, massive hemoptysis. An initial contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a giant tumor in the left lung hilus and occlusion of the left superior pulmonary vein. Despite immediate selective bronchial artery embolization and simultaneous embolization of an anomalous branch of the internal thoracic artery, the massive hemoptysis continued. Subsequently, embolization of the left superior pulmonary artery was performed, achieving functional pulmonary lobectomy, which successfully treated the hemoptysis without relapse during a six-month follow-up. The patient continues to undergo cancer therapy and remains stable.

CONCLUSIONS

This case successfully managed massive hemoptysis associated with lung cancer invasion into the pulmonary vein through functional pulmonary lobectomy via embolization of the corresponding pulmonary artery.

Personalised stroke evaluation and management: tailoring individualised patient care for hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia

SummaryHereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) has an estimated prevalence of 1 in 5000-8000 individuals globally with pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) affecting approximately 15%-50% of HHT patients. Ischaemic stroke is a known complication of PAVMs that affects ≤30% of patients with PAVMs. Studies have shown that patients with PAVMs have ischaemic stroke a decade earlier than routine stroke. The predominant mechanism of ischaemic stroke in HHT patients is paradoxical embolism due to PAVMs, but most HHT-related PAVMs are asymptomatic. Additionally, HHT is often underdiagnosed in patients and poses a challenge to physicians due to its rarity. We present a case of a patient with ischaemic stroke who was subsequently diagnosed with HHT and found to have a PAVM on further evaluation. This case highlights the importance of using an individualised patient-centred stroke evaluation and screening for PAVMs in patients who had a stroke with possible or suspected HHT and definite HHT.

Rare case of total anomalous pulmonary venous return into the right atrium in situs solitus

We report an uncommon case report of total anomalous pulmonary venous returns into the right atrium at the base of the superior caval vein's ostium without a sinus venosus defect, in situs solitus, without vertical vein or a posterior pulmonary venous confluence.

Right S3 segmentectomy for lung cancer with partial anomalous pulmonary venous return in the right upper pulmonary vein: A case report

Partial anomalous pulmonary venous return (PAPVR) is a rare congenital malformation where the pulmonary vein partially refluxes into the venous system. Here, we present the first robotic-assisted right S3 segmentectomy in a 70-year-old male with early-stage lung cancer and PAPVR in the right upper pulmonary vein. The patient, with suspected primary lung cancer (11 mm diameter, pure solid appearance in right S3 segment), exhibited clinical stage T1bN0M0 stage IA2. Preoperative computed tomography revealed severe lung emphysema, and right V1-3 returned directly to the superior vena cava. However, no signs of right-sided heart failure were observed, and echocardiogram was normal with a pulmonary-to-systemic blood flow ratio of 1.4. Successful robot-assisted right S3 segmentectomy with hilar nodal dissection was performed, and the patient was discharged on the sixth postoperative day without complications. One year postoperatively, there has been no recurrence of lung cancer or respiratory/right-sided heart failure symptoms.

Feasibility of Breath-Hold Zero TE Magnetic Resonance Imaging Sequence for Evaluation of Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformations After Embolotherapy

ABSTRACT

We obtained breath-hold zero TE (ZTE) magnetic resonance imaging for the evaluation of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations before and after embolotherapy. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no reports of ZTE for the entire lung imaging in single breath-hold scan time such as 20 seconds. Breath-hold ZTE magnetic resonance imaging can be a useful technique for magnetic resonance-based follow-up of vascular lung diseases without using contrast media, reducing the undesired artifacts from metallic devices.

Use of Polyurethane-Covered Stents for Exclusion of Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformations

PURPOSE

To evaluate the safety, technical success and short-term effectiveness of polyurethane-covered stent (PK Papyrus, BioTronik, Berlin) in the treatment of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) that are not amenable to embolotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this IRB-approved, retrospective study, data from patients who received polyurethane-covered stents for exclusion of PAVMs were analyzed. The study included 5 patients (all women) with a median age of 40 years (range 25-60). Patients presented with hypoxemia, TIAs, and/or epistaxis; 4 were confirmed to have HHT. All had multiple PAVMs diagnosed on chest CT and underwent embolization with other devices in addition to the polyurethane-covered stent. The indication for stent placement in all cases was a short and/or tortuous feeding artery. Safety was assessed by immediate or short-term complications, e.g., migration, stent thrombosis, and fracture. Technical success was defined as the ability to accurately place the stent at the intended location. Effectiveness was defined as successful exclusion of PAVM with no perfusion across the AVM.

RESULTS

Technical success of stent placement was 100%. AVM exclusion rate was 80% after single stent deployment; in the case of incomplete exclusion, success was achieved using an overlapping stent to completely cover a second feeding artery. During the median follow-up period of 5 months (range 2-10), all stents remained patent, and AVMs were excluded without other complications.

CONCLUSION

Exclusion of PAVMs with polyurethane-covered stents is technically feasible, safe, and shows short-term effectiveness for PAVMs with a short/tortuous feeding artery when traditional embolization techniques are not possible.

Prospective Study of Polytetrafluoroethylene-Covered Microplugs and Detachable Coils for Embolization of Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformations: Technical Results, Procedure Times, and Costs

PURPOSE

To determine time to occlusion and procedure costs of embolization of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) using a polytetrafluoroethylene-covered microplug compared with embolization using detachable coils.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this prospective study, 37 patients (mean age, 39.1 years [SD ± 17.6]) with 82 PAVMs underwent embolization with microplug or detachable coils between April 2019 and January 2023. Technical success, procedure time intervals, and costs were analyzed.

RESULTS

In 37 patients, 82 PAVMs and 101 feeding arteries were successfully treated (microplug, 64; microplug + another device, 5; detachable coils alone, 32). Time from embolic device inserted into the catheter to device deployed and time to occlusion differed significantly between microplug and detachable coil cohorts (P < .0001 for both). Embolization with ≥1 microplug had a significantly shorter occlusion time than embolization with detachable coils (median, 10.0 minutes saved per feeding artery) (P < .0001). Compared with detachable coil embolization, microplug embolization saved a median of 9.0 minutes per feeding artery (P < .0001) and reduced room cost by a median of $429 per feeding artery (P < .0001). Device costs per feeding artery did not differ significantly between microplug ($2,790) and detachable coil embolization ($3,147) (P = .87).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with coils, microplugs had an equally high technical success rate but significant time to occlusion and room costs savings per feeding artery. Total room cost and device cost together did not differ significantly between microplugs and coils. Microplugs may be considered technically effective and at least cost-neutral for PAVM embolization where clinically appropriate.

[Resected Right Upper Lobe Lung Cancer with Displaced Bronchus and Anomalous Pulmonary Vein]

The patient is a 77-year-old man. He was referred to our hospital after a chest computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a 6.5 cm-sized mass in the right lung apex. Bronchoscopy revealed adenocarcinoma, clinical stageⅡB, and the patient was referred for surgery. Preoperative 3D-CT revealed the presence of a displaced bronchus, probably B1a, branching from the right main bronchus centrally from the upper lobe bronchus, and an abnormal vessel (V2) running dorsal to the upper lobe bronchus and the right main bronchus, and returning directly to the left atrium. Surgery was performed by resectioning the right upper lobe through a posterolateral incision, combined resection of the wall pleura, and lymph node dissection (ND2a-2). Because lung cancer surgery is sometimes accompanied by abnormal bronchial and pulmonary vascular branches, it is essential to thoroughly examine the patient before surgery for checking abnormal branches by bronchoscopy and 3D-CT.

Transarterial Embolization of Simple Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformations: Long-Term Outcomes of 0.018-Inch Coils versus Vascular Plugs

PURPOSE

To compare the safety, effectiveness, and persistence rates of 0.018-inch coils with those of Amplatzer vascular plugs (AVPs; Abbott Vascular, Abbott Park, Illinois) for the treatment of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) in response to a growing concern that 0.018-inch coil embolization would increase the long-term persistence rate.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective, single-center study of a database (2002-2020) of 633 PAVM embolizations. Complex PAVMs and those not embolized with 0.018-inch coils or plugs were excluded. PAVM embolization material was classified into 4 groups: (a) 0.018-inch nonfibered coils (NFCs), (b) 0.018-inch fibered coils (FCs), (c) NFCs and FCs, or (d) plugs. Persistence was defined as flow through the PAVM on digital subtraction angiography (DSA) or as <30% diameter reduction of the aneurysmal sac on unenhanced computed tomography (CT). Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression were used to assess PAVM's persistence-free survival.

RESULTS

A total of 312 PAVM embolizations with NFCs (43 PAVMs), FCs (127 PAVMs), NFCs and FCs (12 PAVMs), or plugs (130 PAVMs) in 109 patients (28% men; mean age = 49 years) were included. All PAVM embolizations were technically successful without any major adverse events. PAVM persistence-free survival rates at 10 years' follow-up were 40.8% versus 44.7% in the NFC and FC groups (P = .22) and 47.3% versus 81.0% in the 0.018-inch coil (NFC or FC) and plug groups (P < .0001), respectively. There were 0.43 (79/182) and 0.08 (10/130) re-embolization procedures per PAVM in the 0.018-inch coil and plug groups, respectively (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

PAVM embolization with 0.018-inch coils was safe, but persistence rate with PAVM embolization was significantly higher than that with plugs, with no significant differences between FCs and NFCs.

The chief culprit of intractable hypoxemia: a case report of rare pulmonary arteriovenous fistula complicated with giant hemangioma

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula (PAVF) is a rare disease, which can lead to the direct return of unoxidized venous blood to pulmonary veins and left heart, resulting in right-to-left shunt leading to hypoxia. Long term, the right-to-left shunt will cause severe pathophysiological changes in the patient's body and pulmonary circulation, and the prognosis will be poor if PAVF is not treated timely.

CASE PRESENTATION

Here, we report the case of a 71-year-old man who presented with chest tightness and shortness of breath. After a series of examinations, PAVF and giant hemangioma were diagnosed, which are difficult to operate.Transcatheter interventional therapy was initiated. The patient recovered on the third day after operation and was discharged smoothly. During the long-term follow-up of nearly 4 years after discharge, the general condition and quality of life of the patient basically returned to normal.

CONCLUSIONS

PAVF is rare but very important clinical problem. When the clinical manifestations of persistent unexplained hypoxia appear, it is necessary to fully consider the possibility of PAVF. Once the diagnosis of PAVF is clear, timely treatment is recommended to avoid deterioration of the disease and affecting the prognosis.

STIC-HD live flow technology in the antenatal diagnosis of scimitar syndrome: A case report

Scimitar syndrome (SS) is a rare entity with an incidence of approximately 1-3 in 200 000 people. It is typically characterized by complete or partial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage from the right lung into the systemic venous circulation, most commonly the inferior vena cava (IVC). For the first time, we report the diagnosis of SS in a fetus in utero using four-dimensional (4D) spatiotemporal image correlation combined with high-definition live flow rendering mode (STIC-HD live flow).

Preliminary Experience with a Low-Profile High-Density Braid Occluder for Transcatheter Embolization of Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformations

This brief report describes safety, technical feasibility, and early treatment effectiveness of the low-profile braided occluder (LOBO; Okami Medical, San Diego, Caliornia) for embolization of 9 pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) in 4 patients (3 female and 1 male; age range: 33 to 63 years; 3 patients showed positive results for hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia genes). A total of 10 occluders were deployed in 10 vessels (median treated vessel diameters, 3 and 4 mm for LOBO-3 and LOBO-5 groups, respectively). All devices were successfully deployed into the feeder pulmonary arteries, achieving complete cessation of flow. There were no severe adverse events or device migrations. Available short-term follow-up computed tomography (6 PAVMs: median, 7 months; range, 1.5-7 months) demonstrated complete occlusion without persistence or recanalization. The early experience of embolization of PAVMs using a low-profile braided occluder showed it to be safe and effective. Further studies with larger cohorts and longer follow-up periods are warranted.

Surgical treatment of anomalous right upper lobe pulmonary vein obstruction caused by compression between pulmonary artery and trachea: a case report

The normal anatomical course of right upper lobe pulmonary vein involves drainage anteriorly to the pulmonary artery, ultimately reaching the left atrium. However, anomalies can occur with the most common variation involving the convergence of the right upper lobe pulmonary vein with the superior vena cava. In a rare pulmonary vascular malformation, the anomalous right upper lobe pulmonary vein takes a path between the right pulmonary artery and right main bronchus [1]. During a clinical consultation, a patient presented in our hospital with this specific anomalous right upper lobe pulmonary vein, along with an atrial septal defect and a patent ductus arteriosus. As a consequence of this aberrant positioning, the right upper lobe pulmonary vein was compressed between the pulmonary artery and trachea, leading to pulmonary vein obstruction. Thus, a successful pulmonary vein replantation was performed to correct the congenital malformation.

Anomalous hepatic drainage and platypnea-orthodeoxia in cyanotic children

The aetiology of cyanosis could be unclear in children, even for specialised paediatricians. Two cases were reported: first, a 6-year-old child with features of left isomerism and Fallot was fortuitously diagnosed with anomalous hepatic venous drainage before complete repair. Second, a newborn with an antenatal diagnosis of ductus venosus agenesis had an isolated intermittent right-to-left atrial shunt when upright, with favourable outcome, in contrast to the association with significant heart malformations including inferior caval vein interruption. Multimodality imaging and 3D printing helped to rule out extracardiac causes of persistent cyanosis and plan surgical repair.

Outcomes and Risk Factors of Interventions for Pediatric Post-operative Pulmonary Vein Stenosis

Pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) in children is a challenging condition with poor outcomes. Post-operative stenosis can occur after repair of anomalous pulmonary venous return (APVR) or stenosis within native veins. There is limited data on the outcomes of post-operative PVS. Our objective was to review our experience and assess surgical and transcatheter outcomes. Single-center retrospective study was performed including patients < 18 years who developed restenosis after baseline pulmonary vein surgery that required additional intervention(s) from 1/2005 to 1/2020. Non-invasive imaging, catheterization and surgical data were reviewed. We identified 46 patients with post-operative PVS with 11 (23.9%) patient deaths. Median age at index procedure was 7.2 months (range 1 month-10 years), and median follow-up was 10.8 months (range 1 day-13 years). Index procedure was surgical in 36 (78.3%) and transcatheter in 10 (21.7%). Twenty-three (50%) patients developed vein atresia. Mortality was not associated with number of affected veins, vein atresia, or procedure type. Single ventricle physiology, complex congenital heart disease (CCHD), and genetic disorders were associated with mortality. Survival rate was higher in APVR patients (p = 0.03). Patients with three or more interventions had a higher survival rate compared to patients with 1-2 interventions (p = 0.02). Male gender, necrotizing enterocolitis, and diffuse hypoplasia were associated with vein atresia. In post-operative PVS, mortality is associated with CCHD, single ventricle physiology, and genetic disorders. Vein atresia is associated with male gender, necrotizing enterocolitis, and diffuse hypoplasia. Multiple repeated interventions may offer a patient survival benefit; however, larger prospective studies are necessary to elucidate this relationship further.

Uncommon variant of total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage in an infant with sudden death: a case report and review of the literature

Total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage (TAPVD) is encountered less frequently in infancy than various other congenital cardiac anomalies. We present a 4-week-old boy with a hitherto unreported variant of TAPVD who died suddenly soon after presentation to our emergency department. At autopsy, we found both pulmonary veins draining abnormally into the pulmonary artery and an atrial septal defect. We wish to emphasize that examination of the major vessels and their connections should be done in situ in all autopsies of unexpected deaths in infants and children, even if there were no symptoms and signs in the ante-mortem period and despite the clinical picture not being suggestive of TAPVD.

Modified L-shaped incision technique for supracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection as an alternative to sutureless technique

BACKGROUND

The modified L-shaped incision technique (MLIT) was successfully applied to the repair of supracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) with promising mid-term outcomes. It is, however, unclear whether or not MLIT could be an alternative to sutureless technique (ST).

METHODS

All patients ( n =141) who underwent MLIT or ST repair for supracardiac TAPVC between June 2009 and June 2022 were included and a propensity score-matched analysis was performed to reduce the heterogeneity.

RESULTS

MLIT was performed in 80.9% (114/141), whereas ST was performed in 19.1% (27/141). Patients who underwent MLIT repair had a lower incidence of pulmonary veinous obstruction (PVO)-related reintervention (1.8 vs. 18.5%, P =0.002), and late mortality (2.6 vs. 18.2%, P =0.006). Overall survival at 10 years was 92.5% (87.7-97.7%) for MLIT and 66.8% (44.4-100%) for ST ( P =0.012). Freedom from postoperative PVO at 10 years was 89.1% (83.2-95.5%) for MLIT and 79.9% (65.6-97.4%) for ST ( P =0.12). Cox proportional hazards regression identified prolonged mechanical ventilation duration, postoperative PVO, respiratory dysfunction, and low cardiac output syndrome were associated with postoperative death and PVO-related reintervention.

CONCLUSIONS

The MLIT strategy is a safe, technologically feasible, and effective approach for supracardiac TAPVC, which is associated with more favorable and promising freedom from death and PVO-related reintervention.

Transcatheter correction of sinus venosus defect in a patient with a challenging anatomical configuration: From bench testing to clinical success

We report successful transcatheter correction of a sinus venosus defect in a 72-year-old woman with anomalous pulmonary venous return in a challenging anatomical configuration. The procedure was facilitated by hands-on simulation training on a newly developed, perfused, 3D-printed model.

Device Closure of Superior Sinus Venosus Atrial Septal Defects: A single centre experience

Sinus venosus atrial septal defects present a wide variety of anatomical features and are frequently associated with partial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage of one or more right pulmonary veins. Surgical correction used to be the standard treatment. In recent times, transcatheter correction of superior sinus venosus atrial septal defects has come into vogue. The transcatheter closure of these defects with covered stents at a tertiary care centre in Oman between 2018 and 2023 is reported.

The Sinus Venosus Veno-Venous Bridge: Not a septal defect

This review provides an update on the morphology of the sinus venosus defect. It was earlier believed that a 'common wall' separated the right pulmonary veins from the superior caval vein. In the sinus venosus defects, this wall was absent. Current evidence shows that the superior rim of the oval fossa, rather than forming a second septum or representing a common wall, is an infolding between the walls of the caval veins and the right pulmonary veins. The sinus venosus defect is caused by the anomalous connection of one or more pulmonary veins to a systemic vein. However, the pulmonary vein(s) retain their left atrial connections, leading to a veno-venous bridge that allows interatrial shunting outside the oval fossa. True atrial septal defects are located within the oval fossa or in the anteo-inferior buttress, while sinus venosus defects, ostium defects and coronary sinus defects are morphologically distinct from them.

Transcatheter Closure of Superior Sinus Venosus Defects

Superior sinus venosus defect is a communication between the right and left atrium located above the upper margin of the oval fossa, immediately inferior to the junction of the superior vena cava and the right atrium. It is systematically associated with partial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage, especially of the right upper pulmonary vein. Surgical repair has been the gold standard approach to close that defect. Introduced in 2014, percutaneous closure has gradually become a safe and effective alternative to surgery in carefully selected patients, although worldwide experience remains limited. This article provides an appraisal of the patients' selection process and a step-by-step description of the procedure as well as a comprehensive review of its outcomes.

Reintervention and mortality risk after total anomalous pulmonary venous connection repair

BACKGROUND

Management of total anomalous pulmonary venous connections has been extensively studied to further improve outcomes. Our institution previously reported factors associated with mortality, recurrent obstruction, and reintervention. The study purpose was to revisit the cohort of patients and evaluate factors associated with reintervention, and mortality in early and late follow-up.

METHODS

A retrospective review at our institution identified 81 patients undergoing total anomalous pulmonary venous connection repair from January 2002 to January 2018. Demographic and operative variables were evaluated. Anastomotic reintervention (interventional or surgical) and/or mortality were primary endpoints.

RESULTS

Eighty-one patients met the study criteria. Follow-up ranged from 0 to 6,291 days (17.2 years), a mean of 1263 days (3.5 years). Surgical mortality was 16.1% and reintervention rates were 19.8%. In re-interventions performed, 80% occurred within 1.2 years, while 94% of mortalities were within 4.1 months. Increasing cardiopulmonary bypass times (p = 0.0001) and the presence of obstruction at the time of surgery (p = 0.025) were predictors of mortality, while intracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection type (p = 0.033) was protective. Risk of reintervention was higher with increasing cardiopulmonary bypass times (p = 0.015), single ventricle anatomy (p = 0.02), and a post-repair gradient >2 mmHg on transesophageal echocardiogram (p = 0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

Evaluation of a larger cohort with longer follow-up demonstrated the relationship of anatomic complexity and symptoms at presentation to increased mortality risk after total anomalous pulmonary venous connection repair. The presence of a single ventricle or a post-operative confluence gradient >2 mmHg were risk factors for reintervention. These findings support those found in our initial study.

A unique bizarre subtype of mixed total anomalous pulmonary venous connection

Mixed total anomalous pulmonary venous connection is a rare CHD with a wide variation in pulmonary venous anatomy and drainage. We present a ten-day-old newborn with a rare bizarre subtype of mixed total anomalous pulmonary venous connection.

Fetal Pulmonary Venous Return: From Basic Research to the Clinical Value of Doppler Assessment

The fetal pulmonary circulation represents less than 25% of the fetal cardiac output. In comparison with the pulmonary arteries, studies on pulmonary veins are few and limited, and many questions remain to be answered. The literature reports that pulmonary veins play an important role in regulating vascular flow, forming an active segment of the pulmonary circulation. The development of more sophisticated ultrasonography technology has allowed the investigation of the extraparenchymal pulmonary veins and their waveform. The recognition of the pulmonary vein anatomy in echocardiography is important for the diagnosis of anomalous pulmonary venous connections, with a significant impact on prognosis. On the other hand, the identification of the normal pulmonary vein waveform seems to be a reliable way to study left heart function, with potential applicability in fetal and maternal pathology. Thus, the goal of this narrative review was to provide a clinically oriented perspective of the available literature on this topic.

A Risk Prediction Model for Reintervention After Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection Repair

BACKGROUND

Outcomes after total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) repair remain suboptimal due to recurrent pulmonary vein (PV) obstruction requiring reinterventions. We sought to develop a clinical prediction rule for PV reintervention after TAPVC repair.

METHODS

Data from consecutive patients who underwent TAPVC repair at a single institution from January 1980 to January 2020 were retrospectively reviewed after Institutional Review Board approval. The primary outcome was postdischarge (late) unplanned PV surgical or transcatheter reintervention. Echocardiographic criteria were used to assess PV residual lesion severity at discharge (class 1: no residua; class 2: minor residua; class 3: major residua). Competing risk models were used to develop a weighted risk score for late reintervention.

RESULTS

Of 437 patients who met entry criteria, there were 81 (18.5%) reinterventions at a median follow-up of 15.6 (interquartile range, 5.5-22.2) years. On univariable analysis, minor and major PV residua, age, single-ventricle physiology, infracardiac and mixed TAPVC, and preoperative obstruction were associated with late reintervention (all P < .05). The final risk prediction model included PV residua (class 2: subdistribution hazard ratio [SHR], 4.8; 95% CI, 2.8-8.1; P < .001; class 3: SHR, 6.4; 95% CI, 3.5-11.7; P < .001), age <1 year (SHR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.3-8.5; P = .014), and preoperative obstruction (SHR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.1-2.8; P = .015). A risk score comprising PV residua (class 2 or 3: 3 points), age (neonate or infant: 2 points), and obstruction (1 point) was formulated. Higher risk scores were significantly associated with worse freedom from reintervention (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

A risk prediction model of late reintervention may guide prognostication of high-risk patients after TAPVC repair.

Multimodality diagnostic imaging for anomalous pulmonary venous connections: a pictorial essay

Anomalous pulmonary venous connections represent a heterogeneous group of congenital heart diseases in which a part or all pulmonary venous flow drains directly or indirectly into the right atrium. Clinically, anomalous pulmonary venous connections may be silent or have variable consequences, including neonatal cyanosis, volume overload and pulmonary arterial hypertension due to the left-to-right shunt. Anomalous pulmonary venous connections are frequently associated with other congenital cardiac defects and their accurate diagnosis is crucial for treatment planning. Therefore, multimodality diagnostic imaging, comprising a combination (but not all) of echocardiography, cardiac catheterization, cardiothoracic computed tomography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, helps identify potential blind spots relevant to each imaging modality before treatment and achieve optimal management and monitoring. For the same reasons, diagnostic imaging evaluation using a multimodality fashion should be used after treatment. Finally, those interpreting the images should be familiar with the various surgical approaches used to repair anomalous pulmonary venous connections and the common postoperative complications.

An analysis of the left top pulmonary vein and comparison with the right top pulmonary vein for lung resection by three-dimensional CT angiography and thin-section images

PURPOSE

The right top pulmonary vein (RTPV) is defined as an anomalous branch of the right superior PV (SPV) draining into the PV or left atrium (LA). Several previous reports have described the RTPV, but only a few have mentioned the left top PV (LTPV). The present study aimed to evaluate the branching patterns of the RTPV and LTPV using thin-section CT images and three-dimensional CT angiography (3D-CTA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study included 1437 consecutive patients for evaluation of the right side and 1454 consecutive patients for the left side who were suspected of lung cancer and underwent CTA. We assessed the presence of each RTPV and LTPV and their branching patterns on the CTA images. When the RTPV or LTPV was identified, the maximum short-axis diameter was measured.

RESULTS

RTPV was found in 9.1% (131/1437), whereas LTPV was found in 2.9% (42/1454) of the patients. RTPV was also observed in 17.1% (7/41) of LTPV cases, except for one case in which the right side could not be evaluated. The most common RTPV inflow site was the right inferior PV (IPV) in 64.9% (85/131) of the patients, whereas that of the LTPV was the left IPV in 100.0% (42/42) of the patients. The mean diameter of the RTPV and LTPV was 3.3 mm (range, 1.3-7.5 mm) and 2.4 mm (range, 0.9-6.3 mm), respectively (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The top PV branching pattern variations can be evaluated using thin-section CT and 3D-CTA images. RTPV is not a rare finding, and LTPV should also be identified in lung cancer cases scheduled for resection.

Intracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous return or septum primum malposition? Complete repair in left atrial isomerism

Total anomalous pulmonary venous return due to septum primum malposition is a poorly understood condition despite being very common in left atrial isomerism or polysplenia syndrome. Due to the leftward displacement of the septum primum, either the two right pulmonary veins or all four pulmonary veins can drain abnormally into the right atrium, despite their correct position. In other words, the four pulmonary veins (or the two right pulmonary veins), looking from outside the heart, return at the back of the atrium in the normal position. Nevertheless, from the inside of the heart, two or all four pulmonary veins drain into the right atrium due to the leftward displacement of the septum primum. As an example, we report a 5-month-old patient with severe malposition of the septum primum and consequent total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage into the right atrium. The patient underwent surgical correction with resection of the malpositioned septum primum and reconstruction of a normal interatrial septation with a pericardial patch.

Computed tomographic parenchymal lung findings in premature infants with pulmonary vein stenosis

BACKGROUND

Developmental pulmonary vein pulmonary vein stenosis in the setting of prematurity is a rare and poorly understood condition. Diagnosis can be challenging in the setting of chronic lung disease of prematurity. High-resolution non-contrast chest computed tomography (CT) is the conventional method of evaluating neonates for potential structural changes contributing to severe lung dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension but may miss pulmonary venous stenosis due to the absence of contrast and potential overlap in findings between developmental pulmonary vein pulmonary vein stenosis and lung disease of prematurity.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the parenchymal changes of pediatric patients with both prematurity and pulmonary vein stenosis, correlate them with venous disease and to describe the phenotypes associated with this disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A 5-year retrospective review of chest CT angiography (CTA) imaging in patients with catheterization-confirmed pulmonary vein stenosis was performed to identify pediatric patients (< 18 years) who had a history of prematurity (< 35 weeks gestation). Demographic and clinical data associated with each patient were collected, and the patients' CTAs were re-reviewed to evaluate pulmonary veins and parenchyma. Patients with post-operative pulmonary vein stenosis and those with congenital heart disease were excluded. Data was analyzed and correlated for descriptive purposes.

RESULTS

A total of 17 patients met the inclusion criteria (12 female, 5 male). All had pulmonary hypertension. There was no correlation between mild, moderate, and severe grades of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and the degree of pulmonary vein stenosis. There was a median of 2 (range 1-4) diseased pulmonary veins per patient. In total, 41% of the diseased pulmonary veins were atretic. The right upper and left upper lobe pulmonary veins were the most frequently diseased (n = 13/17, 35%, n = 10/17, 27%, respectively). Focal ground glass opacification, interlobular septal thickening, and hilar soft tissue enlargement were always associated with the atresia of an ipsilateral vein.

CONCLUSION

Recognition of the focal parenchymal changes that imply pulmonary vein stenosis, rather than chronic lung disease of prematurity changes, may improve the detection of a potentially treatable source of pulmonary hypertension, particularly where nonangiographic studies result in a limited direct venous assessment.

Anomalous systemic venous connection to left atrium in a heart with usual atrial arrangement

Anomalous systemic venous connection to left atrium is rare anomaly. Previously published cases described this anatomy in patients with left isomerism. Depending on the size of the atrial septal defect, patients usually present with varying degrees of cyanosis and right heart hypoplasia. Here, we report a case of anomalous systemic venous connection to left atrium in a newborn with the usual atrial arrangement.

Fetal left-atrial posterior-space-to-diagonal ratio at 17-37 weeks' gestation for prediction of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection

OBJECTIVES

To develop normative data for the left-atrial posterior-space-to-diagonal (LAPSD) ratio and post-left atrium space (PLAS) index in fetuses from 17 to 37 weeks' gestation, and determine the optimal cut-offs of the LAPSD ratio and PLAS index to discriminate between normal fetuses and those with total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC).

METHODS

This was a prospective cross-sectional assessment of 428 structurally normal fetuses between 17 and 37 weeks' gestation and a retrospective study of 27 TAPVC fetuses. The fetal LAPSD ratio was calculated by dividing the left atrium-descending aorta distance (LDD) by the left atrial diagonal diameter (LA). The PLAS index was calculated as the ratio of the LDD to the descending aorta diameter (DA). Pearson's correlation analysis was used to examine the correlation of cardiac parameters with gestational age (GA) and fetal somatic growth. The PLAS index and LAPSD ratio were compared between the normal and TAPVC groups to assess their usefulness in the prenatal diagnosis of TAPVC.

RESULTS

LDD, LA and DA measures showed moderate to strong positive correlation, whereas both the LAPSD ratio and PLAS index showed a slight decrease with increasing GA and biometric variables. The fetal LAPSD ratio and PLAS index in TAPVC cases were significantly greater compared with those of fetuses with a normal heart (both P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the PLAS index and LAPSD ratio between the isolated and complex TAPVC groups (both P = 1). No significant associations of the PLAS index and LAPSD ratio with fetal gender, four-chamber view type (apical, basal or lateral) or TAPVC type were found. Using values of ≥ 0.35 for the LAPSD ratio and of ≥ 1 for the PLAS index exhibited similar excellent diagnostic performance, with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 97.0% or 95.1% for detecting TAPVC.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates that the LAPSD ratio is a practical and effective screening tool for diagnosing fetal TAPVC, similar to the PLAS index. Incorporating these parameters into routine cardiac scanning may enhance the prenatal detection of TAPVC. © 2022 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Better Late Than Never – A Case of a Congenital Left Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Drainage Diagnosed and Treated in The Sixth Decade of Life

Partial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage (PAPVD) is a relatively uncommon cardiac anomaly. The diagnosis might be challenging as are the presenting symptoms. Its clinical course mimics more familiar diseases, e.g., pulmonary artery embolism. We present a case of PAPVD, which had been misdiagnosed for more than two decades. After establishing the correct diagnosis, the patient got his congenital anomaly surgically corrected and showed excellent cardiac recovery in the six months follow up.