Angiography In Children Research Articles

Evaluation of early retinal vascular changes by optical coherence tomography angiography in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus without diabetic retinopathy.

To evaluate macular and peripapillary vascular changes by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) without diabetic retinopathy (DR). This study included 46 patients with T1DM and 46 age-sex matched healthy subjects. All participants were evaluated in terms of macular and optic disk parameters by using AngioVue. Foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, macular and optic disk vessel density (VD) were analyzed. The correlation of these parameters with metabolic factors such as disease duration, mean hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) standard deviation score (SDS), homocysteine (Hcy) level, body mass index (BMI) SDS and daily insulin dose was also investigated in T1DM group. No significant difference was found in FAZ area and optic disk radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) VD comparing diabetic and control groups. In all macular regions, VD was significantly lower in T1DM versus control group both in superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP). None of the metabolic parameters was correlated with FAZ area and optic disk RPC-VD. Vascular density in SCP was negatively correlated with mean HbA1c and positively correlated with IGF-1 SDS. Homocysteine level was negatively correlated with DCP-VD in all areas. In children with T1DM without clinically apparent DR, VD in SCP and DCP was decreased and OCTA is a valuable imaging technique for detecting early vascular changes. The metabolic parameters such as mean HbA1c, IGF-1 SDS and Hcy affect the macular VD in diabetic children. 2011-KAEK-2, 2021/4, Trial registration date: 02.04.2021.

Comparative Study between 3D Echocardiography Right Ventricular -Volumes and Functions- and Invasive RV Quantification in children with valvular pulmonary stenosis pre and post balloon Dilation

Abstract Aim and objectives The aim of this study was To correlate between 3D echocardiographic assessment of RV volumes and functions with invasive RV quantification by angiography in children with mainly valvular pulmonary stenosis undergoing balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty pre & post balloon dilation, to evaluate the immediate impact of relieving obstruction on RV volumes. Patients and Methods The study included 25 patients in the pediatric age group (up to 18 years old) with Pulmonary valve stenosis referred to our congenital and structural heart disease unit cardiology department in Ain shams university hospital for balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty. All patients were subjected to history taking, clinical examination and ECG recording. Then echocardiographic assessment by 2D and 3D was done to all patients pre and post BPV. All patients were subjected to have pre and post RV angiography for assessment of RV volumes and functions angiographically. Results The study included 25 patients,65% of patients were males and 44% were females, mean of age was 22.79 with range from 2 to 144 months There was statistically significant increase in 3D Echo RV quantification post BPV in comparison to 3D Echo RV quantification pre BPV with RV/EDV(p-value:0.001), RV/ESV(p-value:0.034), RV/SV(p-value:0.002), FAC %(p-value:0.014), TAPSE(p-value:0.001). Also,there was statistically significant increase in angiographic RV quantification post BPV in comparison to angiographic RV quantification pre BPV with EDV(p-value:<0.001), ESV(p-value:<0.001), SV(pvalue:<0.001) and EF %(p-value:<0.001). Conclusion 3DE RV volumes and function shows good correlation and agreement with invasive RV quantification by angiography in children with valvular pulmonary stenosis undergoing balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty.

Validation of computed tomography angiography as a complementary test in the assessment of renal artery stenosis: a comparison with digital subtraction angiography.

Renal artery stenosis is an important cause of hypertension in children, accounting for 5-10% of cases. When suspected, noninvasive imaging options include ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT) angiography and magnetic resonance (MR) angiography. However, digital subtraction angiography (DSA) remains the gold standard. To investigate the accuracy and inter-reader reliability of CT angiography in children with suspected renal artery stenosis. This is a retrospective study of patients suspected of having renal artery stenosis evaluated by both CT angiography and DSA between 2008 and 2019 at a tertiary pediatric hospital. Only children who underwent CT angiography within 6months before DSA were included. CT angiography studies were individually reviewed by two pediatric radiologists, blinded to clinical data, other studies and each other's evaluation, to determine the presence of stenosis at the main renal artery and 2nd- and 3rd-order branches. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were calculated using DSA as the reference. The effective radiation dose for CT angiography and DSA was also calculated. Kappa statistics were used to assess inter-reader agreement. Seventy-four renal units were evaluated (18 girls, 19 boys). The patients' median age was 8years (range: 1-21years). Overall, CT angiography was effective in detecting renal artery stenosis with a sensitivity of 85.7%, specificity of 91.5% and accuracy of 88.9%. There was moderate inter-reader agreement at the main renal artery level (k=0.73) and almost perfect inter-reader agreement at the 2nd/3rd order (k=0.98). However, the sensitivity at the 2nd- and 3rd-order level was lower (14.3%). CT angiography provided excellent negative predictive value for evaluating renal artery stenosis at the main renal artery level (90.1%) and at the 2nd- or 3rd-order branches (82.7%). The median effective dose of CT angiography studies was 2.2mSv (range: 0.6-6.3) while the effective dose of DSA was 13.7mSv. CT angiography has high sensitivity and specificity at the main renal artery level with a lower radiation dose than previously assumed. Therefore, it can be used as a diagnostic tool in patients with low to medium risk of renal artery stenosis, and as a screening and treatment planning tool in patients at high risk.

The Impact of Chronic Heart Failure on Retinal Vessel Density Assessed by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Children with Dilated Cardiomyopathy.

(1) Introduction: The aim of this study is to assess retinal vessel density (VD) in the superficial capillary plexus layer (SP) and deep capillary plexus layer (DP) in children with chronic heart failure (CHF) in the course of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). (2) Methods: Thirty children with CHF due to DCM lasting more than six months, with an enlarged left ventricle and impaired left ventricular systolic function (left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 55%), were enrolled to have both their eyes assessed for this study. Mean age of the children was 9.9 ± 3.57 years. The control group consisted of an additional 30 children without CHF (mean age 11.27 ± 3.33 years) matched for age and gender against the study group. All participants underwent transthoracic echocardiography to measure LVEF using Simpson method. Blood serum was tested for N-terminal-pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) marker value. All children underwent OCTA with evaluation of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ), whole superficial vessel density (wsVD), foveal superficial vessel density (fsVD), parafoveal superficial vessel density (psVD), whole deep vessel density (wdVD), foveal deep vessel density (fdVD), parafoveal deep vessel density (pdVD), whole thickness (WT), foveal thickness (FT), and parafoveal thickness (PFT). (3) Results: Retinal VD in SP was significantly lower in children with CHF as compared to the controls. The following SP parameters in the study group were statistically significantly lower than these same measurements for the control group. Details, with study group findings quantified first, include wsVD (46.2% vs. 49.83%, p < 0.05), fsVD (18.07% vs. 24.15%, p < 0.05), and psVD (49.24% vs. 52.51%, p < 0.05). The WT (311.03 micrometers (μm) vs. 323.55 μm, p < 0.05), FT (244.57 μm vs. 256.98 μm, p < 0.05), and PFT (320.63 μm vs. 332.02 μm, p < 0.05). No significant differences in DP retinal VD were found between the two groups. No statistically significant differences in the FAZ were found. The fsVD and FT were correlated with biometry and the age of the study participants. There was a correlation between FAZ and FT (p < 0.001). There were no correlations between retinal VD in both plexuses and refractive error, sex, NT-proBNP, and LVEF. (4) Conclusions: In children with CHF in the course of DCM as compared to the control group, significantly decreased retinal VD in SP was observed. The results of our study indicate that measurements of the OCTA may be a useful diagnostic method in children with chronic heart failure, but it is necessary to conduct further studies in larger groups of participants and long-term observation of these patients.

Abstract No. 79 sessiTransradial angiography in children: feasibility and safety

Abstract No. 79 sessiTransradial angiography in children: feasibility and safety

Use of radial access sheaths for transfemoral neuroendovascular procedures in children.

Pediatric neuroendovascular procedures require special considerations. Given small vessel sizes, risk for arterial injury must be weighed against use of larger devices, with the diameter of the sheath being a known association with arterial complications. We recently transitioned to using thin-walled radial sheaths for transfemoral angiography in children, given their lower profile. Here, we report on these sheaths' technical success and complications, comparing against a historical cohort where regular vascular sheaths were employed. We retrospectively recorded patient and procedural data from 168 consecutive procedures from September 2017 to January 2019 when radial-specific sheaths were exclusively used at our tertiary pediatric hospital. These results were compared to data from September 2015 to January 2017, when regular vascular sheaths were exclusively used in 152 consecutive procedures. Statistical analysis was performed using unpaired t test or chi-square test, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Patient characteristics (age, sex, weight) were not statistically different between the case and control group. No significant differences were found in the procedural data with the exception of heparin use which was higher in the radial-sheath cohort. There was a decrease in the rate of complications in the case group (1.2%) versus control group (2.6%), though not statistically different. Radial-specific sheaths have numerous beneficial characteristics that make them well-suited to the pediatric population. In our study, we show that radial sheaths are equally effective and safe perioperatively. Follow-up research may show if radial sheaths used transfemorally decrease long-term complications such as limb-length discrepancy and mortality.

Radiation dose reports and determinants of image quality during ECG-triggered Cardiac Computed Tomography Angiography in children

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the radiation doses and determinants of image quality during prospective and retrospective ECG-triggered cardiac computed tomography angiography.Materials and Methods: Patients included study who underwent ECG-triggered and low radiation dose dual-source cardiac computed tomography angiography scans. Dose length product values were obtained from the computed tomography scanning protocol. Effective dose (mSv) was estimated using the dose length product method with a conversion factor (mSv/mGy × cm). All images were evaluated and scored by two pediatric radiologists. Results: 37 patients have ECG-triggered cardiac computed tomography. The ages of the patients were between 3 days to 17 years (mean 73.78 ±79.95 months). The average heart rate of the patients was 101.11±27.12 bpm. The mean DLP was 93.05 ±64.4 mGy/cm. The mean effective dose was calculated as 1.74 ±1.03 mSv. We found good agreement between observers while analyzing determinants of image quality (kappa values 0.71-0.80).Conclusion: High-quality images with a low dose can be obtained with an ECG-triggered cardiac computed tomography angiography method. Because of the high sensitivity of radiation in children, dose reduction techniques should be used effectively. Cardiac computed tomography examinations can be performed at diagnostic quality limits with prospective ECG-triggered technique in patients with high pitch, low kV, and dual source techniques.

Флюоресцентная иридоангиография в диагностике активной ретинопатии недоношенных

Purpose. To study the feature of the condition of the vessels of the iris according to fluorescence iris fluorescein angiography in various forms, stages and types of the course of active retinopathy of prematurity. Material and methods. Fluorescence iris fluorescein angiography was performed in 25 eyes (15 children). Children were born at 25–31 weeks of gestation. Children's weights were 680–1550 g. Children were 7–11 weeks old. 4 children (7 eyes) had a favorable type of course of 1–2 stages. 7 children (12 eyes) had an unfavorable type of course of 2–3 stages. 4 children (6 eyes) had aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity. The study was also performed on 5 premature babies without signs of retinopathy of prematurity who had been born at 30–31 weeks of gestation, weighing 1000–1900 g, at the age of 5–10 weeks. Analysis of the obtained angiograms was performed using descriptive and temporal characteristics. Results. Depending on the stage of the disease, various structural changes in the vascular system of the iris were revealed in prematurity: expansion and increased tortuosity of the vessels; their pathological course; increased permeability or desolation of the capillary bed of the pupil zone; uneven filling of the arterioles of the ciliary zone; newly formed vessels in the pupil in the form of a network shunts; the phenomena of pronounced hyperfluorescence. It was determined that changes in the vascular system in the iris developed in parallel with disorders of the retinal angioarchitectonics. These changes are essentially identical, but less distinct in the iris due to differences in the anatomical structure and angioarchitectonics of the iris and retina of the eye. Conclusion. Further studies are required being used fluorescence iris fluorescein angiography in children with retinopathy of prematurity with using of large quantities of clinical material to obtain new information about vascular changes in the anterior segment of the eye, since this problem is still unexplored. Key words: iris fluorescein angiography, retinopathy of prematurity.

Normative Data Assessment of Peripapillary and Macular Vessel Density and Foveal Avascular Zone Metrics Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Children.

To quantify the vessel density of the macula and optic disc and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) in healthy children and to evaluate the effects of age, gender, axial length, body mass index (BMI), and refractive errors on vessel density and FAZ. This study enrolled 92 eyes of 92 participants (42 boys and 50 girls). Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) was performed using AngioVue (Avanti; Optivue). FAZ area, nonflow area, superficial and deep vessel density, FAZ perimeter, acircularity index of FAZ, foveal density, and radial peripapillary capillary vessel density were analyzed by gender. Correlations between the investigated OCTA parameters and age, axial length, and BMI were evaluated. Girls had significantly larger nonflow and FAZ area than boys (P = .01 and .02). Superficial and deep vessel density at the fovea was significantly higher in boys compared to girls (P = .01 and .03). Inferior temporal and superior temporal Radial peripapillary capillary vessel densities were significantly higher in girls than boys (P = .01 and .03). No significant difference was found in the macular and optic disc vessel density measurements within refractive groups (P > .05, for all). Regarding the correlation of age with FAZ and vessel density parameters, only nonflow area was positively correlated with age (r = 0.22, P = .03). This study provides normative data for children. Although boys had greater foveal vessel density, girls had greater FAZ area and nonflow area. Refractive status of the eye and BMI did not influence the OCTA parameters. Although nonflow area was positively correlated with age, other parameters were steady within the ages of 7 to 18 years. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2020;57(6):388-398.].

Feasibility of Low Volume of High-Concentration Iodinated Contrast Medium With 70 kVp Tube Voltage on High-Pitch Dual-Source Computed Tomography Angiography in Children With Congenital Heart Disease.

The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of high-concentration iodinated contrast medium (CM) with 70 kVp tube voltage on high-pitch dual-source computed tomography (DSCT) in children with congenital heart disease (CHD). Fifty-eight CHD patients underwent high-pitch DSCT in 2 protocols: 70 kVp tube voltage, 1.0 mL/kg CM volume, 370 mg I/mL concentration (group A); 80 kVp tube voltage, 1.5 mL/kg CM volume, 350 mg I/mL concentration (group B). The diagnostic accuracy, image quality, iodine delivery rate, iodine dose, and radiation dose were compared. There was no significant difference in the diagnostic accuracy (P > 0.05), image quality (P > 0.05) and iodine delivery rate (P > 0.05) between the 2 groups. The iodine dose (P < 0.05) and radiation dose (P < 0.05) in group A were significantly lower than those in group B. Reduction in iodine dose and radiation exposure can be achieved with 70 kVp high-pitch DSCT by administering a smaller volume of high-concentration CM in children with CHD.

Evaluation of retinal neurovascular structures by optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus without clinical sign of diabetic retinopathy.

The aim of the study was to investigate whether retinal neurovascular structural impairment in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) without clinical signs of diabetic retinopathy (DR) could be detected early via optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA). In the current prospective, cross-sectional, observational clinical study children and adolescents with T1D without DR were evaluated between December 2018 and May 2019. Retinal neurovascular structures in the macular and optic disc regions were examined in detail and quantitatively assessed using OCT and OCTA. Data from subjects with T1D were compared with data from healthy controls. Whether retinal neurovascular structural changes were significantly associated with puberty stage, diabetes duration, and HbA1c level was also investigated. The T1D group included 110 eyes and the control group included 84 eyes. In the T1D group the mean inside disc vessel density (VD) was significantly lower than that of the control group (p < 0.001), as was the mean superior temporal disc VD (p < 0.043). Puberty stage was significantly associated with retinal thickness, parafoveal superficial capillary plexus VD, and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (p < 0.05). Diabetes duration and HbA1c level was significantly correlated with retinal layer thickness, foveal avascular zone diameter, and superficial and deep capillary plexus VDs. In children and adolescents with T1D without clinical signs of DR, the VD of the disc region is affected earlier than the macular region. In these patients, early neurovascular impairment can be detected non-invasively via OCT and OCTA.

Safety of diagnostic spinal angiography in children

BackgroundSpinal angiography (SA) is associated with low complications in adults but its safety in children has not been properly analyzed. The goal of our study is to assess the safety...

Optical coherence tomography angiography in children with spontaneously regressed retinopathy of prematurity.

To assess optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) parameters in children born preterm who developed spontaneously regressed retinopathy of prematurity (sr-ROP, group 1), or had no ROP (PreT, group 2), compared with term-born age-matched controls (group 3). Cross-sectional comparative case series. Children aged 6-8 years had a complete ocular examination and OCT and OCTA imaging (Optovue RTVue AVANTI instrument). Foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, FAZ perimetry, and vascular density in three slabs were measured automatically, and foveal depth was measured manually by two graders. Groups 1, 2, and 3 (26, 32, and 34 eyes respectively) did not differ in age or gender, but differed in gestational age and birth weight. Both inner retinal thickness and foveal depth differed significantly between group 1 and 2, as did vascular density in the superficial and deep vascular plexus. VA, FAZ area, and perimetry were distinct in all three groups. VA correlated positively with FAZ area and foveal depth, negatively with vascular density. OCTA parameters reveal microvascular changes that distinguish eyes with sr-ROP from premature eyes without ROP, as does visual acuity. It is not possible to infer if the cause is the presence of retinopathy or the different severity of retinal immaturity.

Renal artery angiography in pediatric trauma using a national data set

With limited pediatric renal trauma management literature, treatment pathways for children have been extrapolated from the adult population. A shift to non-operative management has led to higher renal preservation rates; however, characterization of endovascular intervention in the pediatric trauma population is lacking. This study uses the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB), to evaluate renal outcomes after use of renal artery angiography. We hypothesized that patients undergoing renal artery angiography for renal trauma are unlikely to require additional surgical interventions. All children ≤18 years old treated for traumatic renal injuries from 2012 to 2015 were identified by the Abbreviated Injury Scaled Score (AISS) codes in the NTDB. AISS codes were converted to American Association for Surgery of Trauma (AAST) grades. ICD-9 codes were used to identify patients that had renal artery angiography, and additional renal interventions such as nephrectomy, partial nephrectomy, percutaneous nephrostomy tube or ureteral stent placement. 536,379 pediatric trauma cases were in the NTDB from 2012 to 2015, with 4506 renal injury cases identified. A total of 88 patients had renal artery angiography (ICD-9 88.45). Only 10% (n=9) of patients who received renal artery angiography underwent an additional urological intervention. Of those nine, two patients were excluded due to renal angiography taking place after nephrectomy was performed. The remaining seven patients had high grade laceration (AAST grade 4-5). Overall, two patients underwent post angiography nephrectomies, two patients had partial nephrectomies, one percutaneous nephrostomy tube was placed (prior to partial nephrectomy), one aspiration of a kidney (prior to ureteral stent placement), and three had ureteral stent placements. The limitations of this study include: the NTDB is a national dataset that is not population based, inclusion is limited to the first hospitalization, inaccuracies exist in encounter coding, and the database is lacking laterality of the renal injury. Based on nonspecific nature of ICD-9 coding for angioembolization, we are unable to discern the number of cases that subsequently had angioembolization after or at the time of angiography. Renal artery angiography in children remains a rare procedure, 88/4,506, in children with renal trauma. In pediatric trauma cases that undergo renal artery angiography additional procedures are more common with higher grade injuries. Further studies are needed to create pediatric specific trauma management algorithms.

Subclinical retinal microvascular alterations assessed by optical coherence tomography angiography in children with systemic hypertension

To compare the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) macular and peripapillary vessel density between children with high blood pressure and healthy subjects. A total of 40 eyes of 20 children with hypertension and 40 eyes of 20 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included. Capillary vessel density (CVD) in superficial (SCP) and deep (DCP) retinal capillary plexus, peripapillary region, and FAZ were analyzed by optical coherence tomography angiography. The mean ages were 15.2±1.5years (range, 10-18) in patients with hypertension and 14.4±2.8years (range, 10-18) in healthy controls (P=0.742). The mean FAZ area measured 0.25±0.10mm2 in children with hypertension and 0.25±0.09mm2 in healthy controls (P=0.765). There was no significant difference between study groups in any measure of the macular SCP (P>0.05 for all); however, the mean whole image, inferior hemisphere, and para- and perifoveal measurements of the macular DCP were significantly lower in children with hypertension than in controls (P<0.05 for all). Although there was no evidence of hypertensive retinopathy, subthreshold microvascular alterations were found in the DCP of the retinal circulation in pediatric hypertensives. These alterations should be considered as prognostic cues when defining whole systemic response to high blood pressure in childhood.

Comparison of OCT angiography in children with a history of intravitreal injection of ranibizumab versus laser photocoagulation for retinopathy of prematurity

PurposeTo compare the foveal microvascular structure characteristics in children with a history of intravitreal injection of ranibizumab (IVR) versus laser photocoagulation (LP) for retinopathy of prematurity by optical coherence tomography...

Imaging features and clinical relevance of portal venous systems shown by extrahepatic portal angiography in children with extrahepatic portal venous obstruction

ObjectiveThis study investigated the morphologic changes of portal cavernoma in children with extrahepatic portal venous obstruction and explored the relationship with prognosis. MethodsFrom February 2008 to October 2017, there were 107 patients with cavernous transformation of the portal vein admitted to our hospital. Rex shunts were performed in 99 cases, Warren shunts in 7 cases, and laparoscopic splenic vessel ligation in 1 case. Intraoperative superior mesenteric venography was used to determine the structure of the portal venous system. According to the morphologic features of the portal vein shown by portal venography, groups were assigned as follows: patients with the cotton form of portal cavernoma; patients with visible collateral veins of portal cavernoma; patients with and without a visible left gastric vein; and patients with and without a clearly visible intrahepatic portal vein. The preoperative and postoperative portal pressure, preoperative incidence of esophageal varices, time at onset, incidence of postoperative rebleeding, preoperative and postoperative size of the spleen, and age at time of operation were compared between these groups. ResultsThe preoperative incidence of esophageal varices, time at onset, postoperative size of spleen, and age at time of operation were significantly lower in the group with the cotton form than in those with visible collateral veins (P < .05). There was a significant correlation between the visible left gastric vein and esophageal varices (P = .002). The time at onset, preoperative and postoperative size of the spleen, and age at time of operation were markedly lower in the group with a good visible intrahepatic portal vein than in those without a clearly visible intrahepatic portal vein (P < .05). The visible left gastric vein was notably associated with the performance of a gastroportal shunt (P = .000), and the group with a visible left gastric vein had a higher ratio of children undergoing a gastroportal shunt. ConclusionsThe cotton form, an early-stage manifestation of cavernous transformation of the portal vein, typically occurs in younger children with a shorter time to onset. Children with the cotton form of portal cavernoma typically have a better prognosis after Rex shunt.

Quantitative analysis of retinal and choroidal microvascular parameters using optical coherence tomography angiography in children with nephrotic syndrome: a pilot study.

To study the retinal and choroidal microvascular parameters in children with nephrotic syndrome (NS). This is a cross-sectional study. Optical coherence tomography angiography was used to evaluate the changes of retinal and choroidal microvessels in patients with NS. Thirty NS children and 20 normal controls were included in this study. The macular vessel density (VD) of the superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP), choroid capillary plexus (CCP), and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area of the SCP and DCP was quantitatively calculated. Clinical data including serum protein, blood lipid, uric acid, urea, serum creatinine, urinary protein concentration, urinary creatinine, 24-h urine volume, 24-h urinary total protein, 24-h creatinine clearance rate, and urinary albumin to creatinine ratio were collected. The VDs of the DCP and CCP in children with NS were significantly lower than those in controls (59.35 ± 2.45 vs. 61.15 ± 1.53, p = 0.002, 66.34 ± 1.43 vs. 67.16 ± 1.23, p = 0.042, respectively). The VD of the SCP in children with NS had a tendency to decrease compared with that in controls, but there were no significant differences. There were also no significant differences in FAZ area between the two groups. The VD of the SCP was positively correlated with serum total protein (ρ = 0.446, p = 0.014), serum albumin (ρ = 0.431, p = 0.017), and 24-h urine volume (ρ = 0.389, p = 0.034) but negatively correlated with triglyceride (ρ = - 0.450, p = 0.013), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (ρ = -0.432, p = 0.017), urinary protein concentration (ρ = - 0.606, p < 0.001), and 24-h urinary total protein (ρ = - 0.517, p = 0.004). The VDs of the SCP, DCP, and CCP were negatively correlated with the urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (ρ = - 0.473, p = 0.008, ρ = - 0.438, p = 0.015, ρ = -0.467, p = 0.009, respectively). Retinal and choroidal VDs were decreased in children with NS and paralleled the severity of kidney disease. Optical coherence tomography angiography can be used as a noninvasive method for evaluating renal injury in patients with NS.

Kidney injury biomarkers after cardiac angiography in children with congenital heart disease.

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). Children with CHD are at a risk for kidney injury during contrast exposure in cardiac angiography. 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. No significant decrease was noted in either the creatinine-based or cystatin C-based estimated glomerular filtration rate at 24hours after angiography compared with that before angiography. Urinary protein, NAG, BMG, and L-FABP levels were significantly increased at 24hours after angiography, all of which returned to baseline levels at more than 7days after angiography. An increase in urinary level of protein, albumin, NAG, or BMG was mostly associated with increased urinary L-FABP level. An increase in both urinary BMG and L-FABP, but not that in urinary L-FABP alone, was associated with increased levels of urinary protein and NAG, as well as the greater dose of contrast media. Transient increases of kidney injury biomarkers following cardiac angiography are not necessarily associated with the impairment of renal function in a short time period; however, the increase in urinary protein, albumin, NAG, or BMG level may indicate greater stressesto the kidneys than the increase in urinary L-FABP alone in children with CHD.

The role of spinal angiography in the evaluation and treatment of pediatric spinal vascular pathology: a case series and systematic review.

While it has been extensively studied in adults, the role of spinal angiography in children with suspected spinal vascular malformations is not fully characterized. With special implications regarding technique, radiation dose, and pathology, we sought to review our single-center experience with pediatric spinal vascular pathology and use a systematic review of the literature to further identify its role in pediatrics. A retrospective chart review was conducted under IRB approval for all patients age 0-18years old who underwent spinal angiography at our institution between 2007 and 2018 for concern for spinal vascular pathology. A simultaneous systematic review was conducted via dedicated search terms in two distinct databases and reviewed to identify all studies referring to spinal angiography or angiograms in pediatric patients. Six patients were included. Three patients (50%) had vascular malformations confirmed on diagnostic angiography and underwent subsequent endovascular treatment. Two patients (33.3%), one with hematomyelia and one with spinal cord infarction, had negative diagnostic angiograms. One patient (16.7%) had a spinal tumor and underwent angiography for further evaluation preoperatively. Spinal angiography was used to aid in diagnosis, preoperative planning, and treatment in these cases. It was demonstrated to be safe in this patient population, with no untoward events, minimal radiation dose, and possible therapeutic applications in select cases. The systematic review identified 11 studies regarding pediatric spinal angiography. These ranged from single case reports to case series of up to 38 patients and highlighted the role of spinal angiography in diagnosis, endovascular treatment, preoperative planning, and postoperative follow-up. Spinal angiography may be used in a variety of scenarios to better understand the architecture of vascular spinal lesions and facilitate endovascular intervention. While its application in both adult and pediatric pathology is limited to select cases, spinal angiography remains a key diagnostic procedure when approaching vascular lesions or tumors of the spine, assessing for etiology of spinal cord infarcts, and in the evaluation of unexplained hemorrhage in the spinal canal.