Project description:Persistent fifth aortic arch (PFAA) is a rare congenital cardiovascular anomaly of the aortic arch, which can occur independently but is frequently associated with other cardiovascular malformations including patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), interrupted aortic arch (IAA), pulmonary atresia, tetralogy of Fallot, and transposition of the great vessels. PFAA can be classified into three different types according to different abnormal vascular connections (type A, B and C). We report an infant diagnosed with PFAA along with interrupted fourth aortic arch (type B) and PDA. Several surgical methods have been delivered to patients diagnosed with PFAA. In our case, the correction of coarctation PFAA and the ligation of PDA were performed without cardiopulmonary bypass through left lateral thoracotomy. We removed the coarctation part of the PFAA, and then performed the end-to-end anastomosis between the fifth aortic arch and the descending aorta. Despite the stenosis at the site of anastomosis was observed 10 months after the operation, the patient resulted in good recovery by once balloon dilation procedure. Thus, we recommend it is more appropriable to select this procedure in the surgical treatment of PFAA for those patients whose fourth aortic arches were interrupted with fifth aortic arches well developed. Our experience can provide a beneficial reference for future cases.
Project description:BackgroundPersistent fifth aortic arch (PFAA) is a rare anomaly often associated with aortic coarctation or interruption, and various surgical techniques for this anomaly have been reported. Herein, we show a case of an infant with PFAA and severe aortic coarctation.Case presentationA 41-day-old female infant was admitted for sustained fever. Initially, the patient was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis, and echocardiography showed PFAA with severe aortic coarctation. Because the patient presented progressive oliguria and metabolic acidosis, she was transferred for emergency cardiac surgical intervention. The aortic arch was reconstructed using end-to-side anastomosis between the fifth aortic arch and the descending aorta without any artificial conduit or patching material.ConclusionsPFAA with aortic coarctation can be repaired by various surgical methods. Among them, our surgical approach is easy and effective, has growth potential, and an additional surgery is not needed.
Project description:The double-barreled aorta connecting the ascending aorta and descending aorta caudal to the normal fourth aortic arch has fascinated the interests of cardiac morphologists for over a century. This condition is commonly associated with coarctation. While the controversies surrounding the embryology of the double-barreled aorta have settled down, we present a case-based illustration of the technical aspects of coarctation stenting peculiar to this condition.
Project description:BackgroundPersistent fifth aortic arch (PFAA) is an extremely rare congenital cardiovascular malformation and there is limited data in the literature. The objective of this study is to enhance our understanding and diagnosis of PFAA from echocardiography and computed tomography angiography (CTA) findings, and to evaluate the application of echocardiography in the diagnosis of PFAA.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed five cases of PFAA diagnosed from October 2016 to September 2019 at the Affiliated Children's Hospital of Capital Institute of Pediatrics. We described their diagnosis by echocardiography and CTA findings, and medical history.ResultsFive cases of PFAA were identified in the study. Patients aged from 3 to 48 months and weighed from 4 to 12 kg presented different clinical symptoms upon clinical examination. All the patients completed a primary echocardiographic assessment; however, the first two patients were misdiagnosed by echocardiography and was confirmed by supplemental CTA while the other three patients were directly diagnosed by echocardiography. Surgery was necessary for three patients, two of whom accepted and one refused. The other two patients only needed a follow-up assessment, which showed good results.ConclusionsThe clinical manifestation of PFAA in our patient population was atypical, and their diagnosis depended on the use of echocardiography. In the case of uncertainty, the final diagnosis was confirmed by CTA. Although the nomenclature and embryonic origin of PFAA remains controversial, the accurate diagnosis of aortic arch abnormalities and associated malformations are imperative for time-sensitive treatments.
Project description:Persistent 5th aortic arch is a rare cardiac anomaly that is usually surgically corrected during infancy or early childhood if it is associated with coarctation of the aorta. Here, we report an adult with coarctation of the 5th aortic arch who was successfully treated by stent implantation. An asymptomatic 32-year-old woman presented with hypertension and a significant arm-leg difference in pressure. On suspicion of coarctation of the aorta, a chest computed tomography was performed, leading to a diagnosis of an interrupted 4th aortic arch with coarctation of a persistent 5th aortic arch. Percutaneous catheter intervention using a PALMAZ large stent dilated to 12 mm resulted in a minimal peak-to-peak pressure gradient. The patient was discharged home after a 2-day monitoring without hypertension and arm-leg blood pressure difference. She remained normotensive with a patent aortic arch on echocardiography performed 10 months after treatment. As for simple coarctation of the aorta, stent implantation was feasible and effective in an adult patient with coarctation of the 5th aortic arch.
Project description:ObjectiveSurgery for aortic coarctation repair provides excellent hemodynamic results but may be complicated by musculoskeletal issues. The purpose of the study was to determine the midterm results of a muscle-sparing surgical approach to aortic coarctation repair, with special emphasis on the repair and on the musculoskeletal changes associated with a posterior thoracotomy.MethodsWe included all children with aortic coarctation operated on with our minimally invasive approach between June 2002 and October 2004, with a follow-up of ≥4.5 years. Patients were assessed clinically and echocardiographically. The spine, left chest, and shoulder were assessed clinically and radiographically.ResultsThirty-one children were included. The age at operation ranged from 1 day to 15 months and weight ranged from 980 g to 10 kg. All patients underwent an extended end-to-end anastomosis coarctation repair through a minimal (n = 19) or total-muscle sparing (n = 12) or extrapleural (n = 18) approach. Five patients had an additional enlargement procedure on the aortic arch. 27 patients had no residual or recurrent gradient. Four patients exhibited restenosis, for which 1 underwent a percutaneous angioplasty and 2 underwent surgical reintervention. All patients were free of hypertension. One patient had borderline values. The musculoskeletal assessment was normal in all but 3 patients. Two patients who underwent other subsequent thoracic surgeries developed thoracogenic scoliosis of moderate severity. A third patient had a left winged scapula. No rib fusion or intercostal space enlargement was found.ConclusionsCompared with a conventional approach, our minimally invasive surgical approach led to excellent musculoskeletal outcomes without compromising the hemodynamic results.
Project description:BackgroundOculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum is a heterogeneous group of genetic disorder, also known as Goldenhar Syndrome, which has several phenotypic features including craniofacial anomalies, cardiac, vertebral and central nervous system defects. Cardiovascular anomalies include ventricular septal defects, atrial septal defects, patent ductus arteriosus, Tetralogy of Fallot, double outlet right ventricle, aberrant right subclavian artery, coarctation of aorta, transposition of the great arteries, double inlet left ventricle, cor triatriatum, pulmonary artery stenosis, aortic stenosis, persistent left superior vena cava, partially or totally abnormal pulmonary venous return and bicuspid aortic valve. Persistent fifth aortic arch, also named as double lumen aortic arch, is a very rare cardivascular anomaly and usually associate other cardiac defects.Case presentationWe present a 7 month old patient with oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum signs as facial asymmetry, short neck, choanal atresia, cleft palate, bilateral preauricular skin tags, bilateral hypoplastic ear lobes, epibulbar dermoid cyst, rib, vertebrae and cardiovascular anomalies. Cardiovascular anomalies detected with echocardiography and computed tomography were malalignment ventricular septal defect and double lumen aorta, known as persistent fifth aortic arch.ConclusionVarious cardiovascular anomalies may accompany Goldenhar Syndrome. We present a case with persistent fifth aortic arch and Oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum and this is a new association that was not reported before in the literature.
Project description:BackgroundAortic coarctation (CoA) is a congenital heart disease that usually combines various cardiovascular malformations, including hypoplastic aortic arch (HAA). We explore end-to-side anastomosis (ESA) and autologous pulmonary artery patch (APAP) in CoA with HAA, to provide more clinical experience.MethodsThis is a single-center retrospective study. The target population is patients with aortic stenosis and HAA who underwent surgery between 2015 and 2021. All cases included were consecutive, and no instances were omitted due to absent data, lack of consent, or other factors. Collect information on gender, age, and weight at the time of the operation, detailed information on the constricted segment and pressure gradient evaluated by echocardiography and computed tomography (CT), and other factors of patients, and these data were analyzed by statistical methods.ResultsNinety-six patients (67 males and 29 females) with median age of 76 (41.75, 128.50) days and median weight of 4.20 (3.70, 5.10) kg were enrolled. The follow-up period was 46.20 (34.40, 54.70) months. The patients were divided into two groups based on surgery: ESA (G1, 59) and APAP (G2, 37). The combined cardiovascular malformations were treated simultaneously. None of the patients had neurological events or renal failure, and three died early after the operation. Finally, 93 patients were successfully followed-up. Cox regression showed that ESA was a risk factor for aortic arch geometry is closer to Gothic (G-AAg), elevated blood pressure (EBp), and aortic recoarctation (reCoA) after surgery. In G1, 18 patients had G-AAg (P=0.03), 13 had EBp (P=0.041), and 12 had reCoA (P=0.041), all of which were significantly higher than those in G2 (three had G-AAg, one of whom had EBp and reCoA).ConclusionsIt is safe and effective to repair CoA and HAA and other cardiovascular malformations through one-stage median sternotomy. Compared with ESA, APAP can lower the risks of G-AAg, EBp, and reCoA. Although APAP takes longer, the proper application of selective antegrade cerebral perfusion may lower the risks. We recommend expanding the indications for APAP when circumstances allow, which will benefit patients.
Project description:Objectives(i) To monitor cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFv) throughout aortic arch repair surgery and during the recovery period. (ii) To examine the relationship between transcranial doppler ultrasound (TCD) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) during cardiac surgery. (iii) To examine CBFv in patients cooled to 20°C and 25°C.MethodsDuring aortic arch repair and after surgery, measurements of TCD, NIRS, blood pH, pO2, pCO2, HCO3, lactate, Hb, haematocrit (%) and temperature (core and rectal) were recorded in 24 neonates. General linear mixed models were used to examine differences over time and between two cooling temperatures. Repeated measures correlations were used to determine the relationship between TCD and NIRS.ResultsCBFv changed during arch repair (main effect of time: P = 0.001). During cooling, CBFv increased by 10.0 cm/s (5.97, 17.7) compared to normothermia (P = 0.019). Once recovering in paediatric intensive care unit (PICU), CBFv had increased from the preoperative measurement by 6.2 cm/s (0.21, 13.4; P = 0.045). CBFv changes were similar between patients cooled to 20°C and 25°C (main effect of temperature: P = 0.22). Repeated measures correlations (rmcorr) identified a statistically significant but weak positive correlation between CBFv and NIRS (r = 0.25, P≤0.001).ConclusionsOur data suggested that CBFv changed throughout aortic arch repair and was higher during the cooling period. A weak relationship was found between NIRS and TCD. Overall, these findings could provide clinicians with information on how to optimise long-term cerebrovascular health.