Characteristics of in-hospital mortality of congenital heart disease (CHD) after surgical treatment in children from 2005 to 2017: a single-center experience

Background To evaluate trends in the in-hospital mortality rate for pediatric cardiac surgery procedures between 2005 and 2017 in our center, and to discuss the mortality characteristics of children’s CHD after thoracotomy. Methods This retrospective data were collected from medical records of children underwent CHD surgery between 2005 and 2017. Results A total of 19,114 children with CHD underwent surgery and 444 children died, with the in-hospital mortality was 2.3%. Complex mixed defect CHD had the highest fatality rate (8.63%), left obstructive lesion CHD had the second highest fatality rate (4.49%), right to left shunt CHD had the third highest mortality rate (3.51%), left to right shunt CHD had the lowest mortality rate (χ2 = 520.3,P < 0.05). The neonatal period has the highest mortality rate (12.17%), followed by infant mortality (2.58%), toddler age mortality (1.16%), and preschool age mortality (0.94%), the school age and adolescent mortality rate was the lowest (χ2 = 529.3,P < 0.05). In addition, the fatality rate in boys was significantly higher than that in girls (2.77% versus 1.62%, χ2 = 26.4, P < 0.05). Conclusions The mortality rate of CHD surgery in children decreased year by year. The younger the age and the more complicated the cyanotic heart disease, the higher the mortality rate may be.

Ultrasound Differential Diagnosis and Prognosis of Right Main Bronchus Atresia in Fetus: Clinical Case

Background. Obstructive lesion of upper respiratory tract in fetus is extremely rare pathology with adverse perinatal outcomes.Clinical Case Description. Ultrasound examination of fetus (gestational age 21 weeks 6 days) has revealed one-sided isolated main bronchus atresia. Atresia was presented as enlargement of right lung due to mucus accumulation, its increased echogenicity, mediastinal displacement to the left and left lung size reduction. We performed differential diagnosis with cystic-adenomatous lung malformation type III, congenital lobar emphysema and pulmonary sequestration. These conditions are also characterized by lung echogenicity and volume increase but they are usually limited to one lung lobe or segment, and pulmonary sequestration has a systemic blood supply. The use of high-frequency transducers, lung vessels Doppler imaging and volume echography allow us to investigate in detail the lung structure of the fetus, correctly calculate the lungs volume and timely the main bronchus atresia at the second trimester of pregnancy.Conclusion. The ultrasound diagnosis of isolated main bronchus atresia is based on revealing of increased lung volume on ipsilateral side, its increased echogenicity, presence of hypoechogenic linear tubular structures (bronchocele), mediastinal displacement to the opposite side and extreme hypoplasia of the contralateral lung. Prognosis for the life is unfavorable.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy mimicking inferior wall myocardial infarction

Electrocardiogram is most often the first-hand diagnostic tool with a cardiologist. Promptly identifying life threatening arrhythmias and myocardial infarction with ECG saves many lives. Quite often the electrocardiogram may have dubious findings and further testing helps arriving at the right diagnosis. Herein, we present a case of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy where the ECG mimicked inferior wall myocardial infarction along with a raised high sensitive Troponin T (hsTnT). A coronary angiogram failed to reveal any acute or chronic obstructive lesion in the coronary arteries. We discussed the varied ECG patterns in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and causes of troponin elevation apart from myocardial infarction. We also discussed other causes of ‘pseudo-infarct’ pattern on ECG. This provides insight into a more comprehensive approach in management of each patient.

Utility of True Fast Imaging with Steady-State Precession in Detecting Arachnoid Veils of the Posterior Fossa

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Arachnoid membranes are well recognized as a cause of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow impairment in disorders such as obstructive hydrocephalus and syringohydromyelia, but can be difficult to detect with standard noninvasive imaging techniques. True fast imaging with steady-state precession (TrueFISP) can exhibit brain pulsations and CSF dynamics with high spatiotemporal resolution. Here, we demonstrate the utility of this technique in the diagnosis and management of arachnoid membranes in the posterior fossa. <b><i>Case Presentations:</i></b> Three symptomatic children underwent cine TrueFISP imaging for suspicion of CSF membranous obstruction. Whereas standard imaging failed to or did not clearly visualize the site of an obstructive lesion, preoperative TrueFISP identified a membrane in all 3 cases. The membranes were confirmed intraoperatively, and postoperative TrueFISP helped verify adequate marsupialization and recommunication of CSF flow. Two out of the 3 cases showed a decrease in cerebellar tonsillar pulsatility following surgery. All children showed symptomatic improvement. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> TrueFISP is able to detect pulsatile arachnoid membranes responsible for CSF outflow obstruction that are otherwise difficult to visualize using standard imaging techniques. We advocate use of this technology in pre- and postsurgical decision-making as it provides a more representative image of posterior fossa pathology and contributes to our understanding of CSF flow dynamics. There is potential to use this technology to establish prognostic biomarkers for disorders of CSF hydrodynamics.

An Oropharyngeal Obstructive Lesion in a Neonate

Neonatal HNT in the pharynx is a rare cause of respiratory distress and poor feeding in the newborn, but must be differentiated from teratoma, encephalocele, and nasal glioma. While surgical resection is the preferred treatment modality, we posit there is a role for sclerosis of the glial heterotopic cyst if complete surgical excision is not possible or carries risk of high morbidity. Here, we present a case of a 7-day-old neonate presenting with acute respiratory distress found to have a nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal mass ultimately treated with sclerotherapy at 9 months of age.

Acute coronary syndrome, a rare manifestation of infective endocarditis: a case report

Systemic embolization in infective endocarditis is common, occurring in 45-65% of cases. However, the septic coronary embolization is a complication rarely described as a cause of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The presentation of chest pain as the first manifestation of endocarditis is associated with a poor prognosis. Mitral valve endocarditis with embolization to the left anterior descending coronary is the most common situation described in the literature. We present a case of a young male patient with typical angina caused by acute myocardial infarction, who had an obstructive lesion to the marginal branch of the circumflex artery in the angiography, and was later diagnosed with aortic valve endocarditis. Key words: infective endocarditis; embolism; coronary artery; acute myocardial infarction

Idiopathic fourth ventricular outlet obstruction misdiagnosed as normal pressure hydrocephalus: A cautionary case

Background: Fourth ventricular outlet obstruction is an infrequent but well-established cause of tetraventricular hydrocephalus characterized by marked dilatation of the ventricular system with ballooning of the foramina of Monro, Magendie, and Luschka. Multiple processes including inflammation, infection, hemorrhage, neoplasms, or congenital malformations are known to cause this pathological obstruction. However, true idiopathic fourth ventricular outlet obstruction is a rare phenomenon with only a limited number of cases reported in the literature. Case Description: A 61-year-old female presented with several months of unsteady gait, intermittent headaches, confusion, and episodes of urinary incontinence. Conventional magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated tetraventricular hydrocephalus without transependymal flow, but with ventral displacement of the brainstem and dorsal displacement of the cerebellum without an obvious obstructive lesion on pre- or post-contrast imaging prompting a diagnosis of normal pressure hydrocephalus. However, constructive interference in steady state (CISS) and half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin echo (HASTE) sequences followed by fluoroscopic dynamic cisternography suggested encystment of the fourth ventricle with thin margins of arachnoid membrane extending through the foramina of Luschka bilaterally into the pontocerebellar cistern. Operative intervention was pursued with resection of an identified arachnoid web. Postoperative imaging demonstrated marked reduction in the size of ventricular system, especially of the fourth ventricle. The patient’s symptomatology resolved a few days after the procedure. Conclusion: Here, we describe an idiopathic case initially misdiagnosed as normal pressure hydrocephalus. The present case emphasizes the necessity of CISS sequences and fluoroscopic dynamic cisternography for suspected cases of fourth ventricular outlet obstruction as these diagnostic tests may guide surgical management and lead to superior patient outcomes.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF TREADMILL STRESS TEST(TMT) WITH INVASIVE CORONARY ANGIOGRAPHY (CAG) IN PATIENTS WITH SUSPECTED CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE

Background- There are few studies which compared invasive coronary angiography (CAG) in patients presenting with chest pain (atypical, probably ischemic) in outpatient department with negative or inconclusive treadmill stress test (TMT). Objective- To assess CAG findings in patient with suspected iscemic chest pain, with negative or inconclusive TMT. Methods- Patients with chest pain (atypical, probably ischemic) underwent TMT and classified as TMT negative or inconclusive. These patients underwent CAG and findings were analysed. Results - 50 patients completed the study protocol. Of these 50 patients who underwent TMT, 31 (62%) were TMT negative and 19 (38%) were TMT inconclusive. In TMT negative group CAG showed obstructive lesion in 6(19.4%), and non obstructive lesion in 25(80.6%). In TMT inconclusive group CAG showed obstructive lesion in 11(57.8%), while non obstructive lesion in 8(42.2%). Conclusion-In patients with atypical chest pain with negative or inconclusive TMT with suspicion of coronary ischemia CAG provides an important diagnostic tool for assessing, especially with TMT inconclusive group.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF COMPUTERIZED TOMOGRAPHY CORONARY ANGIOGRAPHY (CTCA) VS.TREADMILL STRESS TEST (TMT) IN PATIENTS WITH SUSPECTED CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE

Background: There are few studies that compared CTCA in patients presenting with chest pain, probably ischaemic (i.e., atypical) with negative or inconclusive TMT in outpatient department. Objective: To assess 64-slice CTCA findings in patients with suspected ischaemic chest pain and negative or inconclusive TMT. Methodology: Enrolled patients underwent TMT and classified as TMT negative or inconclusive patients. These patients underwent CTCA and findings were analysed. Results: 50 patients completed the study protocol. Of these, 31 (62%) were TMT negative and 19 (38%) were TMT inconclusive. CTCA showed obstructive CAD in 19 (38%) patients; 7 (36%) with negative TMT and 12 (63%) with inconclusive TMT. Overall, CTCA was more predictive of diagnosing obstructive lesion in TMT inconclusive group as compared to TMT negative group. Conclusion: In patients with atypical chest pain with negative or non-diagnostic TMT, CTCA provides an important diagnostic tool for rapid triaging of such patients.

Myocardial perfusion single-photon emission computer tomography and coronary angiography results in patients with different pretest probability of ischemic heart disease

Aim. To study the relationship between pretest probability (PTP) of ischemic heart disease (IHD), calculated according to the recommendations of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) of 2013 and 2019, with the perfusion of the left ventricle of the myocardium according to the single-photon emission tomography (SPECT) and the results of the invasive coronary angiography (CAG). Material and methods. The study included 220 patients with a preliminary diagnosis of ischemic heart disease and planned invasive CAG. All patients underwent rest-stress perfusion myocardial SPECT within 1 month prior to or after CAG, standard quantitative parameters of left ventricular perfusion were assessed. Retrospectively clinical data was analyzed and PTP of IHD was assessed according to ESC recommendations for 2013 and 2019. Results. Invasive CAG revealed obstructive lesion of one or more coromary arteries in 204 of the 220 patients (92.7%). In a retrospective analysis, taking into account gender, age and nature of the complaints, as recommended by ESC in 2013, PTP was rated as low (15%) in 13 patients (5.9%), as intermediate (1585%) in 207 patients (94.1%). Following the comprehensive survey (SPECT and CAG) 8 patients with low PTP (61.5%) underwent coronary revascularization. Among patients with intermediate PTP significant transient ischemia according to SPECT was detected in 31 (15.0%), initial at 107 (51.7%). According CAG among patients with intermediate PTP obstructive lesion was found in 192 (92.7%), 113 patients (58.8%) underwent revascularization. According to ESC recommendations of 2019, PTP was rated as low (15%) in 117 patients (53.2%), including 514% in 98 (44.5%). According to a survey (SPECT and CAG) 68 of them (58.1%) underwent revascularization. Conclusion. PTP measurements proposed by ESC can not be applied to patients of the Russian population with suspected ischemic heart disease without significant corrections. 2013 ESC recommendations with higher PTP values for all categories of patients reflect Russian population better, while 2019 recommendations mistakenly attribute patients to low PTP in at least 58% of cases. These results are preliminary and will be expanded in subsequent studies with more detailed analysis of PTP in included patients with suspected IHD.