Michael V. Di Maria¹, Matthew Mulvahill², James Jaggers³, David Dunbar Ivy¹, Adel K. Younoszai¹

Congenital Heart Disease, Vol.13, No.2, pp. 311-318, 2018, DOI:10.1111/chd.12574

Abstract Objective: Infants with single ventricle physiology typically undergo cardiac catheterization prior to superior cavopulmonary anastomosis (SCPA) to assess operative suitability. Predictors of poor outcome at sea level include elevated pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP), indexed pulmonary vascular resistance (PVRi), age <3 months, significant atrioventricular valve regurgitation, among others. Increased altitude has vasoconstrictive effects on the pulmonary vasculature, which may affect pre-SCPA hemodynamics and outcomes. The goal of this study was to determine the predictive value of pre-SCPA catheterization data with regard to reaching Fontan palliation at altitude.
Design: A retrospective review revealed 150 patients who underwent pre-SCPA catheterization over a 10-year… More >

Varun Aggarwal^1,2, Sebastian C. Tume³, Marco Rodriguez¹, Iki Adachi⁴, Antonio G. Cabrera¹, Hari Tunuguntla¹, Athar M. Qureshi¹

Congenital Heart Disease, Vol.14, No.6, pp. 1130-1137, 2019, DOI:10.1111/chd.12860

Abstract Objective: Predictors of right ventricle (RV) dysfunction after continuous‐flow left ventricular assist device (CF‐LVAD) implantation in children are not well described. We explored the association of preimplantation Pulmonary Artery Pulsatility index (PAPi) and other hemodynamic parameters as predictors of prolonged postoperative inotropes/pulmonary vasodilator use after CF‐LVAD implantation.
Design: Retrospective chart review.
Setting: Single tertiary care pediatric referral center.
Patients: Patients who underwent CF‐LVAD implantation from January 2012 to October 2017.
Interventions: Preimplantation invasive hemodynamic parameters were analyzed to evaluate the association with post‐CF‐LVAD need for prolonged (>72 hours) use of inotropes/pulmonary vasodilators.
Measurements and main results: Preimplantation cardiac catheterization data… More >

Masashi Nishida, Shingo Kubo, Yuma Morishita, Kosuke Nishikawa, Kazuyuki Ikeda, Toshiyuki Itoi, Hajime Hosoi

Congenital Heart Disease, Vol.14, No.6, pp. 1087-1093, 2019, DOI:10.1111/chd.12853

Abstract Objective: This study aims to investigate the changes in renal function and levels of urinary biomarkers before and after cardiac angiography in children with congenital heart disease (CHD).
Setting: Children with CHD are at a risk for kidney injury during contrast exposure in cardiac angiography.
Outcome Measures: We measured urinary protein, albumin, N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminidase (NAG), β2‐microglobulin (BMG), and liver‐type fatty acid‐binding protein (L‐FABP) levels, as well as serum creatinine and cystatin C levels, before and after cardiac angiography in 33 children with CHD.
Results: No significant decrease was noted in either the creatinine‐based or cystatin C‐based estimated glomerular filtration rate at… More >

Sok‐Leng Kang¹, Aimee Armstrong², Gregor Krings³, Lee Benson¹

Congenital Heart Disease, Vol.14, No.6, pp. 1046-1057, 2019, DOI:10.1111/chd.12838

Abstract Three‐dimensional rotational angiography (3D‐RA) enables volumetric imaging through rotation of the C‐arm of an angiographic system and real‐time 3D recon‐ struction during cardiac catheterization procedures. In the field of congenital heart disease (CHD), 3D‐RA has gained considerable traction, owing to its capability for en‐ hanced visualization of spatial relationships in complex cardiac morphologies and real time image guidance in an intricate interventional environment. This review provides an overview of the current applications, strengths, and limitations of 3D‐RA acquisi‐ tion in the management of CHD and potential future directions. In addition, issues of dosimetry, radiation exposure, and optimization strategies will be… More >

Jason Nathaniel Johnson^1,2, Shyam Sathanandam¹, Ronak Naik¹, Ranjit Philip¹

Congenital Heart Disease, Vol.14, No.1, pp. 74-78, 2019, DOI:10.1111/chd.12725

Abstract Echocardiographic imaging provides real‐time guidance during transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. Transthoracic echocardiogram provides detailed assessment of the PDA and sur‐ rounding structures prior to, during, and after transcatheter closure. This article aims to review the different echocardiographic techniques and concepts utilized during transcatheter PDA closure in ELBW infants. More >