Occult obstructive sleep apnea in survivors of Hodgkin lymphoma following radiation therapy: an atypical and under-recognized phenotype.
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Letter↗
Biomedical subjects
Kimberlee Gauvreau
Publications and source records attributed to Kimberlee Gauvreau.
Measurement of technical performance in congenital heart surgery: a pilot study.
BACKGROUND: Although adequacy of repair after congenital heart surgery is a crucial determinant of clinical outcome, there is no current method of assessment. We sought to develop a process to measure the adequacy of repair for a diverse group of congenital heart procedures. METHODS: Selected surgical procedures, consisting of repair of ventricular septal defect (VSD), tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), complete common atrioventricular canal (CAVC), and arterial switch operation, were divided into component subprocedures, each of which was assessed separately. Three outcome categories of "optimal," "adequate," and "inadequate" were defined by consensus according to postprocedure echocardiographic assessment. Outcome categories for conduction disturbance were also created. All patients undergoing one of the four procedures in 2004 were identified, and each subprocedure was assessed. Other clinical data were obtained from medical records. Repairs were scored as "optimal" if all attempted subprocedures and conduction were optimal, and "inadequate" if any was inadequate. RESULTS: A total of 138 procedures were included. VSD repair was done in 46 patients (33%), TOF repair in 33 (24%), arterial switch operation in 36 (26%), and CAVC repair in 23 (17%). Optimal technical score was found in 28 (20%), adequate in 106 (77%), and inadequate in 4 (3%) (2 VSD, 1 TOF, 1 CAVC). Median length of stay was 8 days, and no patients died. CONCLUSIONS: Despite procedural diversity and complexity, technical adequacy of repair can be assessed for congenital heart surgery.
Cardiac Surgical Procedures↗
Hypothesis testing: proportions.
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Epidemiologic Methods↗
Device closure rates of simple atrial septal defects optimized by the STARFlex device.
OBJECTIVES: This study sought to review the outcomes of 3 generations of closure devices for secundum atrial septal defects (ASDs) at a single institution. BACKGROUND: Transcatheter closure of ASDs is now increasingly performed with devices that have been modified over time to improve performance. METHODS: A review of prospective clinical trials of Clamshell (C.R. Bard Inc., Murray Hill, New Jersey), CardioSEAL (NMT Medical Inc., Boston, Massachusetts), and STARFlex (NMT Medical Inc.) closure devices for simple ASDs was performed. The entry criteria for these trials were age > or =2 years, isolated secundum ASD, evidence of right ventricular volume overload, and maximum stretched diameter varying from 20 to 25 mm. Successful outcomes were defined as no more than small residual leak (< or =2 mm) with absence of a severe complication or the need for an additional device or surgery. RESULTS: A total of 72 Clamshell, 30 CardioSEAL, and 42 STARFlex devices were placed in uncomplicated ASDs. Each device modification resulted in improved closure rates, with the STARFlex device achieving a 93% complete closure rate with a device/stretched diameter ratio significantly smaller than with the other devices (p = 0.001). Severe complications occurred in 5 Clamshell, 1 CardioSEAL, and 0 STARFlex cases. Successful outcomes increased for each generation of device (79%, 93%, and 98% respectively, p = 0.009). There have been no long-term complications for either the CardioSEAL or the STARFlex devices. CONCLUSIONS: Modifications in 3 generations of devices have resulted in improved results for percutaneous ASD closure.
Adolescent↗
Inflammation and changes in metabolic syndrome abnormalities in US adolescents: findings from the 1988-1994 and 1999-2000 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys.
BACKGROUND: Understanding of C-reactive protein (CRP) in adult metabolic syndrome is increasing; however, this relationship in children is less clear. METHODS: We compared the prevalence of metabolic abnormalities and metabolic syndrome in fasting 12- to 19-year-olds from the 1999-2000 and 1988-1994 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). In the more recent dataset we explored the relationship between metabolic abnormalities and CRP as measured by a high-sensitivity assay. RESULTS: The prevalence of central obesity, low HDL-cholesterol, and hypertension increased between the 2 surveys. Three or more abnormalities (metabolic syndrome) were found in 12.7% [95% confidence interval (CI), 10.0%-15.4%] of fasting adolescents from the 1999-2000 survey, compared with 9.2% (95% CI, 7.8%-10.6%; P < 0.001) in the 1988-1994 dataset, with increases also seen in sex and ethnic/racial subgroups. Increases in metabolic syndrome were primarily attributable to increasing body mass index (BMI); prevalence of BMI at or above the 85th percentile increased from 25.9% to 30.5%. Metabolic syndrome was much more prevalent in overweight compared with normal-weight adolescents (38.6% vs 1.4%; P < 0.001). Median CRP increased with increasing numbers of metabolic abnormalities and was higher in adolescents with metabolic syndrome than in those without. CRP was higher in adolescents with BMI at or above the 85th percentile than those with normal BMI. CONCLUSIONS: Metabolic abnormalities and the metabolic syndrome phenotype are increasingly prevalent in US adolescents, attributable in part to the increasing incidence of overweight. Adolescents with more metabolic abnormalities have higher CRP, which may be an indicator of greater metabolic derangement and future cardiovascular risk.
Adolescent↗
Determinants of left ventricular dysfunction after anatomic repair of congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries.
BACKGROUND: Early results for anatomic repair of congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries are excellent with respect to right ventricular and tricuspid valve function. However, development of left ventricular (systemic ventricle) dysfunction late after repair remains a concern. In this study we sought to determine factors leading to late impairment in left ventricular performance. METHODS: From August 1992 to July 2005, 44 patients (median age at surgery, 1.6 years; range, 0.6 to 39.6 years) with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries had anatomic repair. Left ventricular function and mitral regurgitation were evaluated by echocardiography at follow-up. Twenty-three patients had a Rastelli procedure, and 21 underwent an arterial switch. Twelve patients (27%) were pacemaker dependent at latest follow-up. RESULTS: Early mortality was 4.5% (n = 2) with 1 late death as a result of leukemia. Median follow-up was 3.0 years (range, 7 days to 12.4 years). Left ventricular function remained unchanged (normal) in 35 patients, improved in 1 patient, and deteriorated in 8 patients (18%). Mitral regurgitation was unchanged in 30 patients, improved in 6 patients, and worsened in 8 patients (18%). Development of left ventricular dysfunction was significantly associated with pacemaker implantation (p = 0.005) and a widened QRS (>20% > 98% percentile of normal; p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Anatomic repair of congenitally corrected transposition can be performed with low operative mortality. However, late left ventricular dysfunction is not uncommon, with higher incidence in those requiring pacing and with a prolonged QRS. Resynchronization may be of value in patients requiring a pacemaker.
Adolescent↗
Regional low-flow perfusion versus circulatory arrest in neonates: one-year neurodevelopmental outcome.
BACKGROUND: Regional low-flow perfusion of the brain is a bypass technique commonly used during stage 1 reconstruction in neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and related variants. The neurodevelopmental outcome of these children is unknown. METHODS: Twenty-nine infants (22 boys, 7 girls) with hypoplastic left heart syndrome or variant requiring single ventricle palliation and aortic arch reconstruction were studied between 1999 and 2004. Mental Developmental Index (MDI) and Psychomotor Developmental Index were assessed using Bayley Scales of Infant Development and correlated with intraoperative and perioperative variables. Results are reported as mean +/- standard deviation. RESULTS: Average age at stage 1 operation and at bidirectional Glenn was 7 +/- 8 days and 6.0 +/- 2 months, respectively. The MDI was in the low average range (87.7 +/- 13.2). The Psychomotor Developmental Index was in the mildly delayed range (75.2 +/- 14.5). Regional low-flow perfusion was used in 31% (9 of 29 patients), with an average circulatory arrest time of 23.5 +/- 13.4 minutes. Deep hypothermia and circulatory arrest was used as the primary operative strategy in 69% of patients (20 of 29 patients), with an average circulatory arrest time of 44.3 +/- 15.3 minutes (p = 0.003). No differences in MDI or Psychomotor Developmental Index scores were observed between the regional low-flow perfusion and non-regional low-flow perfusion groups (MDI, 88.0 +/- 12.1 versus 87.6 +/- 14.0; p = 0.93, respectively; Psychomotor Developmental Index, 75.5 +/- 15.1 versus 75.0 +/- 14.6; p = 0.93, respectively). Lowest operative temperature (<16 degrees C) and birth order (<2 versus >3) significantly related to MDI (89.6 versus 72.8; p = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS: At 1 year of age, neurodevelopmental outcomes of patients undergoing stage 1 using regional low-flow perfusion were similar to outcomes observed in children exposed to circulatory arrest. The association of birth order and MDI suggests that early intervention may benefit these patients.
Cardiac Surgical Procedures↗
Somatic growth after ventricular septal defect in malnourished infants.
OBJECTIVE: To assess somatic growth after ventricular septal defect (VSD) repair in severely malnourished infants. STUDY DESIGN: Ninety consecutive infants (age at surgery: 7.2 +/- 3.2 months) were followed after VSD closure at a referral center in southern India to evaluate somatic growth. RESULTS: At surgery, 44% and 30% of patients had weight and height Z score <-3, respectively. On follow-up (age 5.4 +/- 0.8 years), despite a significant improvement from baseline (Z score -1.8 +/- 1.2 vs -2.8 +/- 1.3, P <.001), weight was significantly lower compared with healthy Indian children, particularly for boys. Height Z score improved significantly only in girls (-0.8 +/- 1.3 vs -1.8+/-2.1, P = .01). Weight, height, and combined weight and height Z scores (failure to thrive) of <-2 were observed in 42%, 27%, and 18 % of patients, respectively. On multivariate analysis, weight Z score <-2 on follow-up was predicted by weight Z score at surgery and male sex, height Z score <-2 by maternal height and male sex, and failure to thrive by maternal height and caloric intake. CONCLUSIONS: There is suboptimal recovery of somatic growth after repair of VSD in severely malnourished infants. Preoperative malnutrition affected only weight on follow-up, whereas height recovery and failure to thrive were influenced by constitutional factors.
Anthropometry↗
Early postoperative outcomes in a series of infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome undergoing stage I palliation operation with either modified Blalock-Taussig shunt or right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit.
OBJECTIVE: Previous publications using nonconcurrent series of patients indicate improved survival for patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) undergoing stage I palliation with a right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit (NW-RVPA) vs. a modified Blalock-Taussig shunt (NW-BT). We compared postoperative outcomes in a concurrent series of patients with HLHS undergoing an NW-BT procedure vs. NW-RVPA procedure. DESIGN: Perioperative data from 66 consecutive patients who underwent NW-BT (n = 37) or NW-RVPA (n = 29) procedures were retrospectively analyzed. SETTING: Cardiac intensive care unit in a tertiary pediatric hospital. PATIENTS: Charts were reviewed for all patients with the diagnosis of HLHS undergoing the NW-BT or NW-RVPA procedure between January 2002 and December 2003. RESULTS: Cardiopulmonary bypass time was longer in the NW-BT group than in the NW-RVPA group (152.5 +/- 52.0 vs. 134.5 +/- 36.1 mins; p = .04). Postoperative diastolic pressures were higher and the Pao2 to Fio2 ratio profiles were lower for the NW-RVPA group over the first 72 hrs. Time to sternal closure (2 [1-6] vs. 4 [2-41] days; p = .01), duration of mechanical ventilation (113 [49-386] vs. 136 [84-764] hrs; p = .01), time to establish enteral feeds (4 [2-8] vs. 5 [3-22] days; p = .01), length of intensive care unit stay (11 [7-55] vs. 15 [8-90] days; p = .04), and length of hospital stay (16 [11-67] vs. 27 [12-126] days; p = .01) were shorter in the NW-RVPA group. Postoperative mortality was not significantly different between the NW-RVPA group (7%) and NW-BT group (11%). CONCLUSION: At an experienced institution with low stage I palliation mortality for HLHS, there were no differences in early morbidity and mortality between the NW-RVPA and NW-BT procedures. The primary advantage of the NW-RVPA procedure may be faster recovery following surgery and earlier discharge from the hospital.
Analysis of Variance↗
The current etiologic profile and neurodevelopmental outcome of seizures in term newborn infants.
OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to delineate the etiologic profile and neurodevelopmental outcome of neonatal seizures in the current era of neonatal intensive care and to identify predictors of neurodevelopmental outcome in survivors. METHODS: Eighty-nine term infants with clinical neonatal seizures underwent neurologic examination, electroencephalography (EEG), neuroimaging, and extensive diagnostic tests in the newborn period. After discharge, all infants underwent regular neurologic evaluations and, at 12 to 18 months, formal neurodevelopmental testing. We tested the prognostic value of seizure etiology, neurologic examination, EEG, and neuroimaging. RESULTS: Etiology was found in 77 infants. Global cerebral hypoxia-ischemia, focal cerebral hypoxia-ischemia, and intracranial hemorrhage were most common. Neonatal mortality was 7%; 28% of the survivors had poor long-term outcome. Association between seizure etiology and outcome was strong, with cerebral dysgenesis and global hypoxia-ischemia associated with poor outcome. Normal neonatal period/early infancy neurologic examination was associated with uniformly favorable outcome at 12 to 18 months; abnormal examination lacked specificity. Normal/mildly abnormal neonatal EEG had favorable outcome, particularly if neonatal neuroimaging was normal. Moderate/severely abnormal EEG, and multifocal/diffuse cortical or primarily deep gray matter lesions, had a worse outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Mortality associated with neonatal seizures has declined although long-term neurodevelopmental morbidity remains unchanged. Seizure etiology and background EEG patterns remain powerful prognostic factors. Diagnostic advances have changed the etiologic distribution for neonatal seizures and improved accuracy of outcome prediction. Global cerebral hypoxia-ischemia, the most common etiology, is responsible for the large majority of infants with poor long-term outcome.
Brain↗
Sustained effects of cardiac rehabilitation in children with serious congenital heart disease.
OBJECTIVE: Past studies have documented the acute benefits of cardiac rehabilitation in children with congenital heart disease. It is not known whether these benefits persist. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients, ages 8 to 17 years, with complex congenital heart disease, whose exercise function immediately after a 12-week cardiac rehabilitation program was superior to that present on a precardiac rehabilitation exercise test, were restudied 6.9 +/- 1.6 months after completion of the cardiac rehabilitation program (approximately 1 year after the precardiac rehabilitation study). Changes in exercise function relative to baseline, precardiac rehabilitation exercise tests were also compared with changes observed in a group of 18 control subjects, with similar diagnoses, who also had 2 exercise tests separated by a year but did not undergo cardiac rehabilitation. RESULTS: The cardiac rehabilitation patients' exercise function did not change significantly over the 6.9-month period after the completion of the cardiac rehabilitation program; percentage of predicted peak oxygen consumption and peak work rate remained significantly superior to baseline, precardiac rehabilitation values. These changes were also associated with improvements in self-esteem, behavior, and emotional state. In contrast, among the control subjects, small, but statistically insignificant declines in peak oxygen consumption and peak work rate were observed on the final exercise test compared with values obtained at baseline, 1 year earlier. The improvements realized by the cardiac rehabilitation patients differed significantly from the concurrent changes observed among the control subjects and appeared to be a result of an increase in the oxygen pulse at peak exercise; significant changes in peak heart rate were not observed. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with congenital heart disease, cardiac rehabilitation produces significant, sustained improvements in exercise function, behavior, self-esteem, and emotional state.
Adolescent↗
Fetal tricuspid valve size and growth as predictors of outcome in pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum.
OBJECTIVE: Pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum is a complex congenital cardiovascular anomaly that frequently requires single ventricle palliation. Fetal diagnosis of pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum is common, but the natural history of pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum diagnosed in midgestation, predictors of neonatal anatomy, and predictors of biventricular repair have not been determined. The objective of this study was to determine whether the size and rate of growth of the fetal tricuspid valve predict neonatal anatomy and biventricular repair. DESIGN AND RESULTS: Twenty-three fetuses diagnosed with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum between 1990 and 2004 were studied. Of 13 fetuses with a midgestation fetal tricuspid valve z score < or = -3, 1 achieved biventricular repair, compared with 5 of 5 with a tricuspid valve z score > -3. Of 13 fetuses with a midgestation fetal tricuspid valve z score < or = -3, 8 were diagnosed postnatally with a right ventricular dependent coronary circulation, compared with none with a tricuspid valve z score > -3. Midgestation and late gestation fetal tricuspid valve z scores correlated with neonatal tricuspid valve z score. The average rate of tricuspid valve growth between mid- and late fetal echocardiograms was significantly lower in patients who did not achieve biventricular repair than in those who did (0.012 +/- 0.008 cm per week vs 0.028 +/- 0.014 cm per week). CONCLUSIONS: Fetal tricuspid valve z score and rate of growth predict postnatal outcome in pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum. These findings may have important implications for prenatal counseling and selection of patients for fetal pulmonary valve dilation.
Anastomosis, Surgical↗
Coronary artery dilation among patients presenting with systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate coronary artery diameters among patients presenting with systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SoJIA). METHODS: Fifty cases of SoJIA were reviewed. At the time of initial presentation with fever, 12 patients had echocardiograms that included a complete evaluation of the coronary arteries. A single reviewer measured the diameters of the left main, proximal left anterior descending, and proximal right coronary arteries. Body surface area-adjusted z scores were calculated with respect to a normative population. RESULTS: Coronary artery dilation (z score: >2) was observed for 5 of the 12 patients with SoJIA who had echocardiograms performed at the time of presentation with fever. No patient developed a coronary artery aneurysm, and all of the coronary artery z scores normalized within 4 months. Only 2 of the 5 patients with coronary artery z scores of >2 fulfilled the clinical criteria for Kawasaki disease, the most commonly recognized cause of coronary artery dilation among children. CONCLUSIONS: Children presenting with SoJIA may have coronary artery dilation similar to that observed for children with Kawasaki disease. These data suggest that the presence of coronary artery dilation on initial echocardiograms for patients with fever does not exclude the diagnosis of SoJIA.
Arthritis, Juvenile↗
Magnetic resonance imaging predictors of coarctation severity.
BACKGROUND: MRI is increasingly used for anatomic assessment of aortic coarctation (CoA), but its ability to predict the transcatheter pressure gradient, considered the reference standard for hemodynamic severity, has not been studied in detail. This study evaluated the ability of MRI to distinguish between mild versus moderate and severe CoA as determined by cardiac catheterization. METHODS AND RESULTS: The clinical, MRI, and catheterization data of 31 subjects referred for assessment of native or recurrent CoA were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were divided into 2 groups on the basis of peak coarctation gradient by catheterization: <20 mm Hg (n=12) and > or =20 mm Hg (n=19). Patients with cardiac index <2.2 L x min(-1) x m(-2) by catheterization were excluded. By logistic regression analysis, the following variables simultaneously predicted coarctation gradient > or =20 mm Hg: (1) smallest aortic cross-sectional area (adjusted for body surface area) measured by planimetry from gadolinium-enhanced 3D magnetic resonance angiography (OR 1.71 for 10 mm2/m2 decrease, P=0.005) and (2) heart rate-corrected mean flow deceleration in the descending aorta measured by phase-velocity cine MRI (OR 1.68 for 100 mL/s(1.5) increase, P=0.018). For the combination of these variables, a predicted probability >0.38 had 95% sensitivity, 82% specificity, 90% positive and negative predictive values, and an area under the receiver-operator characteristics curve of 0.938. In a subsequent validation study, the prediction model correctly classified 9 of 10 patients, with no false-negatives. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of anatomic and flow data obtained by MRI provides a sensitive and specific test for predicting catheterization gradient > or =20 mm Hg.
Adolescent↗
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial of triiodothyronine in neonatal heart surgery.
OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of triiodothyronine replacement on the early postoperative course of neonates undergoing aortic arch reconstruction. METHODS: We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of triiodothyronine supplementation in neonates undergoing either a Norwood procedure or two-ventricle repair of interrupted aortic arch and ventricular septal defect. Patients were assigned to receive a continuous infusion of triiodothyronine (0.05 micro/kg/h) or placebo for 72 hours after cardiopulmonary bypass. Primary end points were a composite clinical outcome score and cardiac index at 48 postoperative hours. RESULTS: We enrolled 42 patients (triiodothyronine n = 22, placebo n = 20). Baseline characteristics were similar in the treatment groups. Study drug was discontinued prematurely because of hypertension (n = 1) and ectopic atrial tachycardia (n = 1), both cases in the triiodothyronine group. Free and total triiodothyronine levels were higher in the triiodothyronine group than in the placebo group at 24, 48, and 72 postoperative hours (P < .001). The median clinical outcome scores were 2.0 (range 0-4) with triiodothyronine and 2.0 (range 0-7) with placebo (P = .046). Compared with those in the placebo group, neonates assigned to triiodothyronine had shorter median time to negative fluid balance (2.0 vs 2.5 days, P = .027). Cardiac index values were 2.11 +/- 0.64 L/min x m2 with triiodothyronine and 2.05 +/- 0.72 L/min x m2 with placebo (P = .81). Heart rate and diastolic blood pressure were not influenced by triiodothyronine supplementation, but systolic blood pressure was higher in the triiodothyronine group (P < .001). No serious adverse events were attributed to triiodothyronine administration. CONCLUSION: Triiodothyronine supplementation was safe and resulted in more rapid achievement of negative fluid balance after aortic arch reconstruction. Cardiac index at 48 hours was not significantly improved.
Aorta, Thoracic↗
Electroencephalography in neonatal seizures: comparison of a reduced and a full 10/20 montage.
This study compares a reduced electrode montage (9 electrodes) with the full 10/20 electrode montage for the ability to detect and characterize neonatal seizures and background electroencephalographic (EEG) characteristics, utilizing new digital technology allowing "remontage" of previously acquired records. A total of 151 neonatal EEG records were retrospectively and blindly analyzed by two readers. Records were first analyzed for seizure number, topography, duration, and characteristics of EEG background using the reduced montage, before reanalysis with the full montage. One hundred eighty-seven seizures were identified in 31 ictal recordings using the full montage. Using the reduced montage, 166 seizures were identified in 30 records. The sensitivity and specificity of the reduced montage for detecting electrographic seizures was 96.8% and 100% respectively. In only one patient's record, the single seizure was missed altogether. For grading background abnormalities, the sensitivity and specificity of reduced montage was 87% and 80%. Although there are inherent weaknesses in reduced montages with respect to both underestimation and overestimation of seizure number, a nine-electrode reduced montage can be a sensitive tool for identification of neonatal seizures and assessment of background characteristics of neonatal electroencephalography.
Brain Mapping↗
Recent results of pulmonary arterial angioplasty: the differences between proximal and distal lesions.
INTRODUCTION: We sought to establish a modern understanding of the safety and efficacy of trans-catheter pulmonary arterial angioplasty. METHODS: A review of records in a sample of 104 dilations, out of a total of 711 procedures undertaken between January, 1996 and December, 2000, provided descriptive information regarding technique, adverse events, and changes achieved in luminal diameter. Because evidence during the review of angiograms suggested substantial differences according to whether the stenotic lesions were positioned proximally or distally within the pulmonary arterial tree, all analyses incorporated this classification. RESULTS: We reviewed stenoses in 203 pulmonary arteries, 38% located proximally and 62% distally, with follow-up available concerning dilation in 92 vessels. Proximal dilations frequently involved a prior surgical site, and appeared more compliant and amenable to conventional angioplasty, as evidenced by more common elimination of the waist, but also more recoil, then requiring placement of stents. In contrast, distal lesions frequently required balloons capable of sustaining high pressures of inflation, and larger balloons relative to the size of the vessels. The proportional increase in diameter was greater for distal sites, at 90 plus or minus 77%, compared to proximal, at 64 plus or minus 70%, p equal to 0.002. Serious adverse events occurred in 3 of 104 procedures, giving a rate of serious adverse events of 2.9%. At follow-up, 9 of 92 vessels (10%), 95% confidence intervals from 5% to 18%, returned to their diameters prior to dilation, with no difference in the rate of restenosis according to the site of dilation. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate the need to distinguish, and to consider, the important differences in technical issues and outcomes, when performing dilations at proximal as opposed to distal sites. Although angioplasty is effective therapy for pulmonary arterial stenosis, a subset of vessels, more often distal, remain resistant to conventional techniques.
Angioplasty, Balloon↗
Follow-up results of Cutting Balloon angioplasty used to relieve stenoses in small pulmonary arteries.
BACKGROUND: We sought to determine if the acute gains in pulmonary arterial diameter achieved by using Cutting Balloons to dilate stenoses in small arteries are maintained at follow-up. METHODS: A search of our database identified all patients who underwent dilation with Cutting Balloons for pulmonary arterial stenosis between June 2001 and September 2003. We reviewed the procedural and angiographic data obtained at the initial and follow-up procedures. RESULTS: Over the period of study, 29 patients with a median age of 3.7 years, and a range from 0.4 to 46.6, underwent treatment with Cutting Balloons at 41 procedures for one or more pulmonary arterial obstructions resistant to conventional angioplasty. At the initial procedure, we enlarged 79 vessels, with an initial minimal luminal diameter of 1.5 plus or minus 0.8 millimetres, to a diameter of 3.0 plus or minus 1.1 millimetres (p smaller than 0.001). Angiographic data indicated that 49% of the vessels showed evidence of vascular damage not requiring intervention, while stents were placed in 9 vessels. Follow-up angiography was available for 39 of the vessels, evaluated at a median of 6 months, with a range from 3 to 24 months, after the initial procedure. In these vessels, there was a mean loss of 10 plus or minus 25% in luminal diameter, p not significant. Of the 39 vessels, 8 had returned to a diameter within half of the initial diameter, giving a failure rate at follow-up of 21%, with 95% confidence intervals from 9% to 36%. All complications were identified within 24 hours of the catheterization procedure, and there were no late complications or deaths during the period of follow-up. Placement of stents produced both greater increases in diameter at the initial procedure (p smaller than 0.001), and greater losses at follow-up (p equal to 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the frequent identification of intravascular trauma, initial gains in luminal diameter after use of Cutting Balloons to dilate stenotic pulmonary arteries are maintained at follow-up.
Adolescent↗