Branch Of Artery Research Articles

Aneurysm of the Artery of Wollschlaeger and Wollschlaeger.

The Artery of Wollschlaeger and Wollschlaeger (AWW) is a non-eloquent, tentorial branch of the superior cerebellar artery (SCA). Coursing posteriorly from an intradural origin, the AWW passes through the ambient cistern and supplies the medial tentorium. Due to its small diameter, the AWW is often only identified in the context of secondary dilation from pathologies such as dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVF). Herein, we report the first case, to our knowledge, of an aneurysm of the AWW associated with a posterior fossa DAVF Swift identification and diagnosis followed by cautious treatment of both the aneurysm and fistula were critical to avert rupture and optimize outcomes, avoiding potential hemorrhagic complications.

Laparoscopic management of median arcuate ligament syndrome: a video vignette.

Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) is a rare condition and a diagnosis of exclusion. We present a 30-year-old man, who had postprandial upper abdominal pain and weight loss of 6 kg in 3 months. His gastroscopy and abdominal ultrasound results were both unremarkable. Computed tomographic angiography showed characteristic compression of the celiac artery by thickened median arcuate ligament causing a 'J' shaped course of artery with poststenotic dilatation and dilated branches of the celiac artery. The patient underwent laparoscopic release of the median arcuate ligament. The intraoperative blood loss was 20 mL and duration of the procedure was 140 minutes. The patient had an uneventful recovery and was discharged on postoperative day 2. The symptoms subsided 2 months following surgery and he started gaining weight. Laparoscopic division of the median arcuate ligament is a minimally invasive, safe, and effective method to decompress the celiac artery.

Scapula harvest in the supine position for immediate mandibular reconstruction.

The scapula is the second most popular donor site for mandibular reconstruction after the fibula. Scapula harvest is generally performed in the lateral decubitus position and the requirement of positional changes hamper the widespread use of the scapula. This study compared scapula harvest for immediate mandibular reconstruction between the supine and lateral decubitus positions. We reviewed the outcomes of 16 patients who underwent segmental mandibulectomy and immediate reconstruction of the scapula based on the angular branch of the thoracodorsal artery. The scapula was harvested in the lateral decubitus (lateral decubitus group) or supine position (supine group) in eight patients each. Several perioperative parameters were compared between the two groups. One scapula was lost because of inadvertent injury of the angular branch in the supine group. The operative time was significantly shorter in the supine group than in the lateral decubitus group. Harvesting of the scapula in the supine position is a feasible option for immediate mandibular reconstruction. Although deep anatomic knowledge and technical expertise are necessary, this strategy can eliminate positional change and significantly reduce the operative time.

Posterior auricular artery

Introduction: The posterior auricular artery (PAA) is the preterminal branch of the external carotid artery (ECA), arising superiorly to the occipital artery (OA). The PAA has quite a few anatomical variations and established neurosurgical applications. We conducted this study as an overview to illustrate all neurosurgical aspects regarding this artery, its reconstructive uses, and anatomical variation. Method: We performed a literature review in Google Scholar and PubMed medical databases for studies discussing the PAA, its anatomical variations, and neurosurgical applications. Results: We identified 30 articles that discuss the anatomical variations and neurosurgical applications of the PAA. While reviewing the available articles and original works regarding PAA. Conclusion: The PAA has considerable anatomical variations regarding its origin, course, branches, and length. The related neurosurgical applications of PAA include bypass, embolization, aneurysm, AVM, and reconstruction flaps.

Collateral Round Ligament Arterial Supply of Placenta Accreta Spectrum and Considerations for Prophylactic Balloon Occlusion Catheter Placement

Internal iliac artery (IIA) balloon occlusion catheters have been commonly inserted to decrease the risk of postpartum hemorrhage in placenta accreta spectrum disorders; however, there has been mixed success in clinical studies. Placement of an infrarenal aortic balloon has shown more consistent effectiveness in recent studies. A possible reason for this is collateral arterial supply to the placenta from external iliac artery branches. Retrospective chart review was conducted of angiography images during prophylactic IIA balloon occlusion catheter insertion over a 7-year period. Sixty-two individual cases were identified. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was performed in 32 (52%) cases, and 20 (62%) showed collateral blood supply from branches of the external iliac arteries, namely the round ligament artery. In conclusion, a high proportion of placenta accreta spectrum cases have arterial blood supply from branches of the external iliac artery, which may explain the discrepancy in effectiveness seen between IIA and infrarenal aortic sites of balloon occlusion catheter placement.

Unilateral identification of a rare superficial brachioulnoradial artery contributing to the superficial palmar arch and brachial artery continuing as the interosseous artery: a case report.

The occurrence of variations in human arterial branching of the upper limb has been commonly reported in peer-reviewed literature. However, the variability of upper limb arterial patterns may be underappreciated in medical practice, which can result in clinical and surgical errors. Here we report a case of a rare, unilateral arterial variation of the left upper limb of a 76-year-old Caucasian male cadaver, discovered during a routine educational dissection. Observed characteristics of the variation include a high brachial artery bifurcation into a superficial brachioulnoradial artery and brachial artery continuing as the interosseous artery and then a bifurcation of the superficial brachioulnoradial artery into a superficial radial and a superficial ulnar artery, which eventually contribute to the formation of the superficial palmar arch. The anatomical characteristics, prevalence, embryological origin, and clinical significance of the variation are discussed.

Clinical Relevance of the Variability of the Infraorbital Arterial Anatomy Evaluated by Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography.

Knowledge of the anatomy of the infraorbital artery (IOA) is crucial for the rejuvenation of the anterior medial aspect of the midface; however, studies adequately describing the anatomy of the IOA branches are lacking, and their connection with the ophthalmic artery branches remains unclear. This study aims to elucidate the anatomical characteristics of the IOA in its deployment within the lower eyelid using three-dimensional (3D) technology, thereby offering an anatomical foundation for clinical surgical procedures. An analysis was conducted on computed tomography scans of 132 cadaveric head sides post-contrast injection, utilizing the Mimics software for reconstruction. The study focused on examining the anastomosis of the IOA, its principal branches, and the branches emanating from the ophthalmic artery. The prevalence of type I IOA was observed at 38.6% (51/132), while Type II IOA was found in 61.4% (81/132) of cases. A 7.6% incidence (10/132) of IOA directly anastomosing with the angular artery was noted. The presence of palpebral branches (PIOA) was identified in 57.6% (76/132) of instances. In the lower eyelid, four distinct distribution patterns of IOA were discerned: The likelihood of Type I PIOA was 5.3%, whereas for Types IIA, IIB, and IIC PIOA, the probabilities were 8.3%, 32.6%, and 11.4%, respectively. The occurrence of the orbital branch of IOA was recorded at 41.7% (55/132). 3D technology can map IOA variants and identify the deployment patterns of IOA branches in the lower eyelid vascular vesicles at high resolution as a guide in clinical practice. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Preparation of VX765 sodium alginate nanogels and evaluation of their therapeutic effect via local injection on myocardial infarction in rats

Myocardial Infarction (MI) is major cause of heart failure, highlighting the critical need for effective therapeutic strategies to improve cardiac repair. This study investigated the cardioprotective effects of VX765-coated polyethyleneimine (PEI)/sodium alginate (AG) composite nanogels (AG/PEI-VX765 NGs) in a rat model of MI. Additionally, AG-VX765 NGs and PEI-VX765 nanospheres (NPs) were synthesized and tested to compare their efficacy. MI was caused in rats by ligating the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery, and the rats were grouped and set as Sham, MI, MI + VX765, MI + AG-VX765NGs, MI + PEI-VX765NPs, and MI + AG/PEI-VX765NGs. Results demonstrate that AG/PEI-VX765NGs were non-toxic and exhibited a sustained release of VX765. In vivo, experiments demonstrated that all treatment groups significantly enhanced cardiac function, reduced infarct size, fibrosis, and apoptosis in rats with MI, with the MI + AG/PEI-VX765NGs group exhibiting the most favorable outcomes. Our findings indicate that AG/PEI-VX765NGs represent a promising therapeutic approach for MI treatment.

Retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy with selective renal artery clamping for renal cell carcinoma: initial outcomes.

To explore the feasibility and safety of retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RLPN) with selective artery clamp (SAC) in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The authors recruited three men and two women who underwent RLPN for T1 RCC between December 2022 and May 2023 at a tertiary hospital. The median age of the patients was 32 years (range, 25-70years). The tumour size ranged from 3 to 4.5cm. The R.E.N.A.L scores were 4x, 5p, 8a, 5a, and 8ah. The median preoperative eGFR was 96.9 (74.3-105.2). Renal computed tomography angiography was performed before the surgery to evaluate the artery branches. The operation time, number of clamped arteries, warm ischaemic time (WIT), intraoperative blood loss, RCC type, postoperative hospital stay, changes in renal function, and complications were evaluated. The follow-up duration was 6 months. The median operation time was 120 (75-150) minutes. One artery was clamped in four patients, while three were clamped in one patient. The median WIT was 22 (15-30) min, and the median blood loss was 150 (100-300) ml. No complications were recorded, and the resection margin was negative in all patients. The median decrease in eGFR was 6 (4-30%). RLPN with SAC for T1 RCC is safe and feasible in clinical practice.

Evaluation of the EMBOPIPE flow diverter device: in vivo and in vitro experiments

BackgroundAlthough flow diverter device (FDD) has brought revolutionized advances in endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms, it also presents considerable drawbacks as well, as the innovation for novel device has never stopped. This preclinical research aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a newly developed FDD, the EMBOPIPE, through in vivo and in vitro experiments.MethodsAneurysms were induced in 20 New Zealand white rabbits which were randomized to three follow-up groups according to the time elapsed after EMBOPIPE implantation (28, 90, and 180 days). Additional EMBOPIPEs were implanted in the abdominal aorta to cover the renal artery in nine rabbits. Angiography was performed immediately after device placement in all groups. Aneurysm occlusion, patency of renal arteries, and pathological outcomes were assessed. For the in vitro experiments, we measured the thrombogenic potential of EMBOPIPEs (n = 5) compared with bare stents (n = 5) using the Chandler loop model. Evaluation indicators were the platelet counts, macroscopic observations and scanning electron microscopy.ResultsEMBOPIPEs were successfully deployed in 19 of 20 rabbit aneurysms (95.0%). The rates of complete or near-complete aneurysm occlusion were 73.3%, 83.3%, and 100% in the 28-, 90-, and 180-day groups, respectively. All renal arteries covered by EMBOPIPEs remained patent, and the mean difference in renal artery diameter before and after the device placement in the three groups was 0.07 mm, 0.10 mm, and 0.10 mm, respectively (p = 0.77). Renal pathology was normal in all cases. The pathological findings of the aneurysms were as follows: thickened and adequate neointimal coverage at the aneurysm neck, minimal inflammatory response, near-complete smooth muscle cell layer, and endothelialization along the device. In vitro experiments showed that the platelet counts were significantly higher in EMBOPIPE blood samples than in bare stent samples and that platelet adhesion to the device was lower in the EMBOPIPE stent struts compared with bare stent struts through macroscopic observations and scanning electron microscopy.ConclusionsThe EMBOPIPE can achieve high rates of aneurysm occlusion while maintaining excellent branch artery patency. It exhibited wonderful pathological results. This novel device with phosphorylcholine surface modification could reduce platelet thrombus attached to the stent struts.

Presentation of 5 patients with abnormal origin of the pulmonary branch artery in the ascending aorta (hemitroncus arteriosus). Rare cardiac patholoy.

Presentation of 5 patients with abnormal origin of the pulmonary branch artery in the ascending aorta (hemitroncus arteriosus). Rare cardiac patholoy.

Blood flow and emboli transport patterns during venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: A computational fluid dynamics study

ProblemDespite advances in Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (VA-ECMO), a significant mortality rate persists due to complications. The non-physiological blood flow dynamics of VA-ECMO may lead to neurological complications and organ ischemia. Continuous retrograde high-flow oxygenated blood enters through a return cannula placed in the femoral artery which opposes the pulsatile deoxygenated blood ejected by the left ventricle (LV), which impacts upper body oxygenation and subsequent hyperoxemia. The complications underscore the critical need to comprehend the impact of VA-ECMO support level and return cannula size, as mortality remains a significant concern. AimThe aim of this study is to predict and provide insights into the complications associated with VA-ECMO using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. These complications will be assessed by characterising blood flow and emboli transport patterns through a comprehensive analysis of the influence of VA-ECMO support levels and arterial return cannula sizes. MethodsPatient-specific 3D aortic and major branch models, derived from a male patient's CT scan during VA-ECMO undergoing respiratory dysfunction, were analyzed using CFD. The investigation employed species transport and discrete particle tracking models to study ECMO blood (oxygenated) mixing with LV blood (deoxygenated) and to trace emboli transport patterns from potential sources (circuit, LV, and aorta wall). Two cannula sizes (15 Fr and 19 Fr) were tested alongside varying ECMO pump flow rates (50%, 70%, and 90% of the total cardiac output). ResultsCannula size did not significantly affect oxygen transport. At 90% VA-ECMO support, all arteries distal to the aortic arch achieved 100% oxygen saturation. As support level decreased, oxygen transport to the upper body also decreased to a minimum saturation of 73%. Emboli transport varied substantially between emboli origin and VAECMO support level, with the highest risk of cerebral emboli coming from the LV with a 15 Fr cannula at 90% support. ConclusionArterial return cannula sizing minimally impacted blood oxygen distribution; however, it did influence the distribution of emboli released from the circuit and aortic wall. Notably, it was the support level alone that significantly affected the mixing zone of VA-ECMO and cardiac blood, subsequently influencing the risk of embolization of the cardiogenic source and oxygenation levels across various arterial branches.

Modified medial gastrocnemius myocutaneous flap with extended anterior, inferior and/or posterior boundaries: Anatomical observation and report of a clinical series of 33 flaps

IntroductionReports on medial gastrocnemius myocutaneous (MGM) flaps with extended inferior and posterior boundaries are rare, and information about the MGM flaps with extended anterior boundaries is unavailable. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the vascular anatomical basis and clinical reliability of the modified MGM flap with extended anterior, inferior and/or posterior boundaries. MethodsFive fresh lower limb specimens from patients with recurrent tumours in the thigh were immediately irrigated and perfused. The stripped integuments were radiographed. The pretibial skin was equally divided into nine zones. The reconstruction outcomes of the modified MGM flaps were documented in 33 patients. ResultsTrue anastomotic connections existed among the branches of the saphenous artery, the perforator from the inferior medial genicular artery and 3–5 (mean, 4.5) perforators from the posterior tibial artery in the upper two-thirds of the leg. A total of 33 modified MGM flaps were applied. The anterior margins of 26 modified flaps with extended anterior boundaries exceeded the medial edge of the tibia by 1.0–4.5 cm (mean, 2.1 cm). Fourteen modified MGM flaps were used to repair the defects involving the lower third leg, whose distal edges were located in the seventh (n = 8) or eighth (n = 6) zone. A 1–169-month (median, 9 months) follow-up was conducted for 33 patients. Of the 33 flaps, 29 (87.9 %) survived completely, partial necrosis occurred in four flaps with extended anterior (n = 2) or inferior (n = 2) boundaries. ConclusionsMultiple source vessels are the vascular anatomical basis of the modified MGM flap with extended anterior, posterior and/or inferior boundaries. The modification of the MGM flap is feasible and reliable, broadening the applicable scope of the flap. The modified MGM flap can be applied to repair more distal, wider and larger-area defects with a simpler design and procedure.

Two variant muscles in the gluteal region.

The short lateral rotators of the thigh found in the gluteal region can have morphological variations. During anatomical dissection of a right lower limb, two variant structures were found in this region. The first of these accessory muscles originated from the external surface of the ramus of the ischium. Distally, it was fused with the gemellus inferior muscle. The second structure comprised tendinous and muscular parts. The proximal part originated from the external part of the ischiopubic ramus. It inserted on the trochanteric fossa. Both structures were innervated by small branches of the obturator nerve. The blood supply was via branches of the inferior gluteal artery. There was also a connection between the quadratus femoris and the superior part of the adductor magnus. These morphological variants could be clinically important.

REBOA: A Device to Gain Time

The management of trauma and emergency procedures (i.e., aneurysm repair, visceral and pelvic bleeding, and others) has undergone considerable changes due to the presence of new endovascular and mini-invasive approaches, which have supplanted the surgical approach in some cases. The use of Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) has been largely used to manage trauma patients, but it is, nowadays, increasingly also being used for other types of bleeding, such as vascular emergencies, post-partum hemorrhages, and gastrointestinal and iatrogenic or spontaneous bleeding. We present a case of an unexpected hemorrhagic shock in a patient with a locally advanced cervix neoplasm involving sacrum and pelvic vessels, where we used a REBOA to manage an intraprocedural massive bleed due to the rupture of the descending branch of the right hypogastric artery.

The analysis of unconventional lymph node metastasis in tongue squamous cell carcinoma

Objective: To analyze the characteristics of cervical lymph node metastasis in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC). Methods: A retrospective study was conducted. A total of 329 patients with TSCC who underwent en bloc resection of primary tumor and neck dissection in the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from June 2010 to March 2018 were included. There were 283 males and 46 females, aged from 26 to 80 years. All patients underwent the modified neck dissection. The main difference between the modified neck dissection and the traditional neck dissection lay in the managements of unconventional lymph nodes. The lymphatic adipose tissues adjacent to the superior thyroid artery, the base of facial artery and the branches of external carotid artery were thoroughly dissected. The primary tumor as well as lingual artery, tissues along the lingual artery and lymph nodes in the mouth floor were resected. χ2 test was used for comparison of count data, and linear regression model was used for multivariate analysis. Results: Cervical lymph node metastases were found in 136 patients (41.3%). Among 142 patients (T1-2cN0) with supraomohyoid neck dissection, 22 patients had pathologically occult lymph node metastases (15.5%), with a 5-year overall survival rate of 90.2%, which was similar to the 5-year overall survival rate of 92.1% in 120 patients without lymph node metastasis (χ2=0.156, P=0.693). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that T stage, clinical stage and unconventional lymph node metastasis were important factors for cervical lymph node metastasis in tongue cancer patients (P<0.05). Unconventional lymph node metastases occurred in 30 patients (9.1%), including the metastases of lymph nodes in the floor of mouth (3.0%), the lingual artery (2.4%), the base of the external maxillary artery (2.1%), the superior thyroid artery (0.9%), and the external carotid artery (0.6%). There were significant differences in the unconventional lymph node metastasis rates between patients with negative and positive conventional lymph node metastases [4.9%(10/203) vs. 15.9%(20/126), χ2=11.242, P=0.001] and also between patients with depth of invasion ≤5 mm, 5 mm <depth of invasion ≤10 mm or depth of invasion >10 mm [3.1%(2/64) vs. 5.7%(6/106) vs. 13.8%(22/159), χ2=7.907, P=0.005]. Conclusion: Supraomohyoid neck dissection can achieve reliable control efficacy in patients with cN0 tongue cancer. All patients with lymph node dissection should undergo unconventional lymph node dissection. Unconventional lymph node dissection is strongly recommended for patients with conventional lymph node metastasis.

Transanal Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization (THD): A Single Center Experience on 100 Consecutive Cases

Introduction. Surgeons, using all available means for the treatment of the hemorrhoidal disease, must make compromises between the radicality of the potential surgical treatment (to prevent recurrence) and the maintenance of the postoperative functionality of the anorectum (avoiding stricture, anal fissures, incontinence, reduction of postoperative pain etc.). Materials and methods. All patients treated with the THD method using a system manufactured by THD S.p.A., Correggio, Italy, consisting of a proctoscope equipped with a Doppler probe and a light source was used to perform the operation. Results. Out of 100 operated patients, 64 (64%) were men and 36 (36%) were women. 54 patients had third degree hemorrhoidal disease, 32 had fourth degree, 7 patients had fourth degree hemorrhoidal disease with active bleeding and 7 patients had second degree hemorrhoidal disease with active bleeding. In the follow-up period, anal fissure formation in two patients and prolapse of a hemorrhoidal node in a treated patient with fourth-degree hemorrhoidal disease were noted. Discussion. It is estimated that more than 50% of the general population will experience at least one episode of symptomatic hemorrhoids during their lifetime. Morphological and hemodynamic changes that occur in patients with hemorrhoidal disease is the finding of an increased diameter of the terminal branches of the superior rectal artery that supplies the hemorrhoidal nodes. These branches are 10–11 in number, of which ligation of up to six is allowed for effective treatment with the THD method. Conclusion. If the THD technique is used according to the established standards, postoperative complications in patients in the form of fecal incontinence and chronic pain have not been described, which is also confirmed in our series. The absence of serious complications while addressing a hemorrhoidal disease at the level of the cause of its occurrence, makes the THD+mucopexy technique applicable in most cases. Correct manipulation of the instruments, precision in dearterization, mucopexy of the rectal mucosa and submucosa are imperative for achieving excellent results.

Upper respiratory tract and orofacial manifestations of new-onset giant cell arteritis: results from a large, prospective inception cohort study.

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) often features upper respiratory tract (URT) and orofacial manifestations, which signal the involvement of external carotid artery branches. In this study, we aimed to describe the frequency of various URT/orofacial symptoms at GCA onset, as well as the main characteristics of patients presenting these symptoms. We included all patients who were newly diagnosed with GCA between 1976 and April 2022 at the Internal Medicine Department of a tertiary-care hospital. Ten URT or orofacial symptoms were prospectively examined systematically in each patient. We used multivariate analyses to identify the GCA characteristics, including URT/orofacial symptoms, associated with temporal artery biopsy (TAB) positivity. At least 1 URT/orofacial symptom was present in 68.6% of the 599 patients (3 or more symptoms in 30% of cases). Jaw claudication, maxillary pain, and pain during mouth opening were the most prevalent symptoms. Dry cough was recorded in 17% of cases. GCA patients with URT/orofacial symptoms had more clinical abnormalities of the temporal artery bed and ischaemic ophthalmological complications, but less large-vessel vasculitis according to imaging. The likelihood of a positive TAB was increased in patients with an abnormal temporal artery upon clinical examination (OR 4.16; CI 2.75-6.37, p < 0.001) or jaw claudication (OR 2.18; CI 1.35-3.65, p = 0.002), and decreased in those with hoarseness (OR 0.47; CI 0.26-0.87, p = 0.02) or earache (OR 0.54; CI 0.31-0.95, p = 0.03). Isolated URT/orofacial presentation (i.e., without headache or visual signs) accounted for 5.2% of the entire cohort. Oral-facial symptoms were present in two-thirds of GCS cases. Thus, they could serve as leading clinical clues for a GCA diagnosis, and are a risk factor for permanent visual loss. Several URT/orofacial symptoms such as jaw claudication, hoarseness, and earache influenced the likelihood of a positive TAB. Isolated URT/orofacial presentation of GCA is a rare but potentially challenging occurrence.

Reprogramming of the developing heart by Hif1a-deficient sympathetic system and maternal diabetes exposure.

Maternal diabetes is a recognized risk factor for both short-term and long-term complications in offspring. Beyond the direct teratogenicity of maternal diabetes, the intrauterine environment can influence the offspring's cardiovascular health. Abnormalities in the cardiac sympathetic system are implicated in conditions such as sudden infant death syndrome, cardiac arrhythmic death, heart failure, and certain congenital heart defects in children from diabetic pregnancies. However, the mechanisms by which maternal diabetes affects the development of the cardiac sympathetic system and, consequently, heightens health risks and predisposes to cardiovascular disease remain poorly understood. In the mouse model, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the combined impact of a Hif1a-deficient sympathetic system and the maternal diabetes environment on both heart development and the formation of the cardiac sympathetic system. The synergic negative effect of exposure to maternal diabetes and Hif1a deficiency resulted in the most pronounced deficit in cardiac sympathetic innervation and the development of the adrenal medulla. Abnormalities in the cardiac sympathetic system were accompanied by a smaller heart, reduced ventricular wall thickness, and dilated subepicardial veins and coronary arteries in the myocardium, along with anomalies in the branching and connections of the main coronary arteries. Transcriptional profiling by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) revealed significant transcriptome changes in Hif1a-deficient sympathetic neurons, primarily associated with cell cycle regulation, proliferation, and mitosis, explaining the shrinkage of the sympathetic neuron population. Our data demonstrate that a failure to adequately activate the HIF-1α regulatory pathway, particularly in the context of maternal diabetes, may contribute to abnormalities in the cardiac sympathetic system. In conclusion, our findings indicate that the interplay between deficiencies in the cardiac sympathetic system and subtle structural alternations in the vasculature, microvasculature, and myocardium during heart development not only increases the risk of cardiovascular disease but also diminishes the adaptability to the stress associated with the transition to extrauterine life, thus increasing the risk of neonatal death.

Potential of Transthoracic Echocardiography and Cardiac CT in Pulmonary Arteries Assessment in Children With Pulmonary Atresia With Ventricular Septal Defect

Objective: To assess and compare the potential of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and cardiac computed tomography (CT) in determining severity of pulmonary artery hypoplasia in children with pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect (PA-VSD) during preoperative planning.Materials and methods: The study included 38 children (mean age, 1.5 years; 97% of the patients younger than 1 year) with a clinical diagnosis of PA-VSD. All the patients underwent TTE; 36 of them underwent cardiac CT, while 33 children had direct angiocardiography. During all diagnostic methods we performed morphometry of the pulmonary trunk (if any) and proximal and distal parts of right and left pulmonary arteries, calculated z score for every vessel, Nakata index, and McGoon ratio. All the results were compared with fiof direct angiography and/or intraoperative data. The interval between TTE, cardiac CT, and angiocardiography or open surgery was less than 10 days. The criterion for hypoplasia of the pulmonary artery and its branches was z score deviation less than (−2) from reference values. Nakata index less than 200 mm2/m2 and McGoon ratio less than 1.0 were considered contraindications for radical correction.Results: We found no statistically significant difference (P &gt; .05) when comparing the potential of TTE and cardiac CT with direct angiography/intraoperative data in terms of morphometry of the proximal parts of the right and left pulmonary arteries and calculating z scores. All the methods demonstrated high diagnostic efficacy. We found statistically significant differences when comparing the potential of TTE and cardiac CT in pulmonary trunk angiometry: the results of pulmonary trunk measurement using TTE were statistically significantly different from the findings of cardiac CT and angiography/intraoperative data with significant underestimation of vessel diameters (P &lt; .05). The results of measurements of the distal parts of the pulmonary artery using TTE were statistically significantly different from those of cardiac CT and direct angiography/intraoperative data with significant underestimation of vessel diameters (P &lt; .05). There were no statistically significant differences between CT and direct angiography/intraoperative data in assessing the diameters of the distal branches of the pulmonary artery. When assessing McGoon ratio and Nakata index using TTE, we found statistically significant differences (underestimation of values) in comparison with direct angiography (P &lt; .05). Comparison of McGoon ratios measured by TTE and cardiac CT also demonstrated their statistically significant underestimation by TTE (P &lt; .05). The calculated McGoon ratio during cardiac CT did not differ significantly from the direct angiography findings.Conclusions: TTE cannot be considered the final method for preoperative assessment of the pulmonary artery system development in children with PA-VSD due to the limited visualization of the distal parts of the right and left pulmonary arteries and significant underestimation of the pulmonary trunk diameter and indices. Cardiac CT proved its high effectiveness in assessment of hypoplasia severity and can be an alternative to direct angiography.