Complete Atrioventricular Canal Defect Research Articles

Predictors of post-operative left atrioventricular valve regurgitation in pediatric patients with complete atrioventricular canal defects.

In infants with complete atrioventricular canal (CAVC) defects, post-operative left atrioventricular valve regurgitation (LAVVR) is a known major cause of morbidity and mortality and a common indication for re-operation. However, there is scarce data to identify risk factors for poor outcomes. Our study aims to find echocardiographic characteristics that predict post-operative LAVVR at discharge and 1-year follow-up. Retrospective cohort study of patients with initial CAVC repair at our hospital who were followed for 1 year between 2013 and 2022. Patients with major co-morbid conditions were excluded. Serial echocardiograms were reviewed. Anatomic details, quantitative and qualitative measure of LAVVR including the number of regurgitant jets, regurgitant jet length and vena contracta width, and ventricular function were collected. The time points measured include pre-operative transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE), post-operative transesophageal echocardiogram (PO-TEE), routine protocol based post-operative day 1 (POD1) TTE, discharge TTE and 1-year post-operative (1yPO) TTE. Paired t-tests, chi-square analysis, and linear regression analysis were performed comparing measured variables to LAVVR outcomes. Fifty-two patients were included; 92% had Trisomy 21. The majority were classified as Rastelli A (71%), others Rastelli C (29%). Only two patients had moderate or greater LAVVR pre-operatively. The mean age at repair was 125 ± 44 days. Pre-operative LAVVR was the only significant predictor of LAVVR severity at 1 year after backward stepwise regression. Of those with<moderate LAVVR on PO-TEE, 20% had worsening to≥moderate at discharge, but only 9% remained that way at 1 year. Of those with≥moderate LAVVR on PO-TEE, 40% improved to<moderate by 1 year. Two patients who worsened at 1 year, both secondary to likely cleft suture dehiscence. Only one patient required reoperation in the immediate post-operative period secondary to severe LAVVR due to suture dehiscence. Routine protocol-based POD1 echo did not have any association with altered outcomes. Pre-operative LAVVR was the only significant predictor of LAVVR severity at 1 year. A significant percentage (40%) of patient with≥moderate LAVVR on PO-TEE improved to<moderate by 1 year. Furthermore, routine protocol-based POD1 echo did not have any association with altered outcomes.

3D Echocardiogram Visualization: A New Method Based on "Focus + Context".

3D echocardiography (3DE) is the standard modality for visualizing heart valves and their surrounding anatomical structures. Commercial cardiovascular ultrasound systems commonly offer a set of parameters that allow clinical users to modify, in real time, visual aspects of the information contained in the echocardiogram. To our knowledge, there is currently no work that demonstrates if the methods currently used by commercial platforms are optimal. In addition, current platforms have limitations in adjusting the visibility of anatomical structures, such as reducing information that obstructs anatomical structures without removing essential clinical information. To overcome this, the present work proposes a new method for 3DE visualization based on "focus + context" (F+C), a concept which aims to present a detailed region of interest while preserving a less detailed overview of the surrounding context. The new method is intended to allow clinical users to modify parameter values differently within a certain region of interest, independently from the adjustment of contextual information. To validate this new method, a user study was conducted amongst clinical experts. As part of the user study, clinical experts adjusted parameters for five echocardiograms of patients with complete atrioventricular canal defect (CAVC) using both the method conventionally used by commercial platforms and the proposed method based on F+C. The results showed relevance for the F+C-based method to visualize 3DE of CAVC patients, where users chose significantly different parameter values with the F+C-based method.

Abstract 17273: Phenotypic Clustering of Patients With Heterotaxy Syndrome Predicts Outcomes of Mortality and Transplantation

Background: Current classifications of heterotaxy syndrome (HS) (e.g. left/right isomerism, polysplenia/asplenia) do not capture the heterogeneity of cardiac anomalies observed nor provide insight on risk stratification. We aimed to improve these classifications using cluster analysis to identify anatomic phenotypes in HS patients. Methods: Using a retrospective database of all HS patients seen at Boston Children’s Hospital from 1985-2014 (n=264), we performed principal component and cluster analyses on 47 cardiac anatomic variables and compared rates of mortality/transplantation across clusters. Results: Five clusters were identified ranging in size from 19 to 91 patients. Cluster #1 had a high prevalence of right-dominant complete atrioventricular canal defects (CAVC), double-outlet right ventricle (DORV), pulmonary stenosis/atresia (PS/PA), and total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC); Cluster #2 of left-dominant CAVC, DORV, and TAPVC; Cluster #3 of left-sided obstructive lesions and interrupted IVC; Cluster #4 of transposition of the great arteries with PS/PA; and Cluster #5 of interrupted IVC with miscellaneous cardiac anomalies (Table). Over 80% of patients in clusters 1 and 2 underwent single ventricle palliation compared with only 16% of patients in cluster 5. Transplant-free survival was lowest in clusters 1, 2, and 3 but differed by single versus biventricular repair (Figure). Conclusions: Cluster analysis of cardiac anatomic variables identified 5 phenotypes of HS including 3 higher risk and 2 lower risk phenotypes. These findings highlight the need for improved phenotyping of HS to account for the high degree of disease heterogeneity.

Outcomes after repair of complete atrioventricular canal with a modified single-patch technique: a retrospective study.

This study aimed to present the short- and midterm outcomes after complete atrioventricular canal defect (CAVC) repair using a single-patch technique. This study included 30 children who underwent surgical correction of the CAVC using a single-patch technique. The median age of the patients was 5.7 months (interquartile range [IQR], 5.0-7.5 months), and 23 patients (76.7%) had type A CAVC. Fourteen patients (46.7%) were female and 17 (56.7%) had been diagnosed with Down syndrome. The in-hospital mortality rate was 0%. No deaths were observed during a median follow-up of 4 years (IQR, 3.5-5.0 years). Patients without Down syndrome were associated with late moderate mitral regurgitation (MR) (p=0.02). Late MR less than moderate degree was observed in 96.6%, 78.5%, and 50% of patients after 2, 4, and 5 years of follow-up, respectively, while late tricuspid valve regurgitation less than moderate degree was observed in 96.7%, 85.9%, and 59.0% of patients after 2, 4, and 6 years of follow-up, respectively. After a median follow-up of 4 years, only one patient had required surgical repair of a left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, which occurred 26 months after the first operation. Multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusted for the type of CAVC, sex, Down syndrome, age, and weight revealed that the absence of Down syndrome was a risk factor for late moderate MR (MR-2) (odds ratio, 0.05; 95% confidence interval, 0.006-0.50; p=0.01). A single-patch technique for CAVC surgical repair is a safe method with acceptable short- and midterm results.

Kết quả phẫu thuật sửa toàn bộ kệnh nhĩ thất toàn phần tại Bệnh viện Tim Hà Nội

Background: complete atrioventricular canal defect is a complex congenital heart disease. The current trend is to perform early complete repair to avoid the progression of pulmonary vascular disease and congestive heart failure. We sought to describe characteristics and evaluate outcomes of definitive repair of complete atrioventricular canal defect at Hanoi Heart Hospital from 2017 to 2020.[1]&#x0D; Methods: a retrospective descriptive study of 62 patients who underwent definitive repair of complete atrioventricular canal defect at Hanoi Heart Hospital from January 2017 to December 2020. Data processing using SPSS 22 software.&#x0D; Results: mean age at the time of surgery was 17.56 ± 30.85 months, 59.7% had Down phenotype. The type of surgical repair was single-patch technique (32.2%), modified single-patch technique (6.5%), and two-patch technique (61.3%) The most common postoperative complication is pneumonia (40.32%) and other complications include: pericardial effusion or pleural effusion (14.52%), third-degree AV block (9.67%), acute renal failure (6.45%). 3 cases (4.8%) required early reoperations, operative mortality was 1.6%. The overall estimated survival was 96,8% at 1 and 5 years.&#x0D; Conclusion: definitive repair of complete atrioventricular canal defect at Hanoi Heart Hospital has good early and medium-term results.

The patient with Down syndrome and pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with congenital heart disease: from childhood to adulthood

Abstract Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a common complication of congenital heart disease (CHD) that significantly affects its prognosis. Down syndrome is a common comorbidity among patients with PAH associated with CHD. Children born in recent years with CHD have benefited from advances in pediatric cardiac surgery that have modified their evolution compared to adults with the same pathologies. Our objective was to know and compare the characteristics of the adult and pediatric population with DS and PAH associated with CHD. REHAP and REHIPED are Spanish, voluntary, multicenter registries that include patients with PAH associated with CHD. REHAP started in 2007 and includes patients over 18 years of age. Patients diagnosed with PAH after this time were prospectively included, until 2021. Patients who were followed in the participating centers and diagnosed after January 1998 were retrospectively included in the registry. REHIPED started in 2009 and collects patients between 2 months and 18 years of age. Patients diagnosed with PAH after this time were prospectively included, until 2021. Patients who were followed and diagnosed after January 1998 were retrospectively included. 131 adults and 47 children with DS and PAH associated with CHD were analyzed. Their baseline characteristics, hemodynamics, treatment, and 10-year survival were compared. Adult patients with DS presented more frequently complete atrioventricular canal defect as underlying heart disease and were mostly in Eisenmenger's situation (84%). In pediatric patients the largest group was post-repair PAH (50%). Functional class was similar in both groups, although adults presented significantly greater hemodynamic severity. Regarding medical treatment, no differences were observed between both groups: there was a very low use of prostanoids both at baseline and at follow-up, and a majority use of oral monotherapy. There were no significant differences in survival. Corrective surgery in patients with DS has become more frequent over the years: adults are mostly in Eisenmenger's situation, while post-repair PAH is the most numerous group in children. Although adults show greater hemodynamic severity, survival is similar in both groups. Medical treatment, which showed no differences between pediatric and adult age, is very conservative, with most patients on oral monotherapy and rare use of prostanoids. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Janssen MSD

Predictors of increased postoperative length of stay after complete atrioventricular canal repair.

The optimal timing of surgical repair for infants with complete atrioventricular canal defect remains controversial, as there are risks to both early and late repair. We address this debate by investigating the association of various risk factors, including age and weight at surgery, markers of failure to thrive, and pulmonary vascular disease, with postoperative length of stay following complete atrioventricular canal repair. Infants who underwent repair of complete atrioventricular canal were identified from our institutional Society of Thoracic Surgeons Congenital Heart Surgery Database. Additional clinical data were collected from the electronic medical record. Descriptive statistics were computed. Associations between postoperative length of stay and covariates of interest were evaluated using linear regression with bootstrap aggregation. From 2001 to 2020, 150 infants underwent isolated complete atrioventricular canal repair at our institution. Pre-operative failure to thrive and evidence of pulmonary disease were common. Surgical mortality was 2%. In univariable analysis, neither weight nor age at surgery were associated with mortality, postoperative length of stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, or post-operative severe valvular regurgitation. In multivariable analysis of demographic and preoperative clinical factors using bootstrap aggregation, increased postoperative length of stay was only significantly associated with previous pulmonary artery banding (33.9 day increase, p = 0.03) and preoperative use of supplemental oxygen (19.9 day increase, p = 0.03). Our analysis shows that previous pulmonary artery banding and preoperative use of supplemental oxygen were associated with increased postoperative length of stay after complete atrioventricular canal repair, whereas age and weight were not. These findings suggest operation prior to the onset of pulmonary involvement may be more important than reaching age or weight thresholds.

Anaesthetic management of a child with unrepaired complete atrioventricular canal defect, double outlet ventricle and pulmonary stenosis for non-cardiac surgery.

Anaesthetic management of a child with unrepaired complete atrioventricular canal defect, double outlet ventricle and pulmonary stenosis for non-cardiac surgery.

A surgical approach of an unusual variant of complete atrioventricular defect; A case report

BackgroundComplete atrioventricular canal is a congenital heart defect that is characterized by an atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, and a common atrioventricular valve. Standard surgical techniques for repairing complete atrioventricular canal defect mainly includes repairing the defect with a single patch, a double patch, or with the modified single patch technique.Case presentationThis paper presents a novel surgical repair technique of an unusual anatomical presentation for a complete atrioventricular canal defect in a patient with Down syndrome.ConclusionsUnusual anatomical variant for congenital heart defects occurs frequently, which gives surgeons real opportunities to innovate surgical approaches. This patient was an example of an unusual anatomical presentation for complete atrioventricular canal, and the surgical technique used for this patient was novel. Follow up for these patients is mandatory for long term results.

УСПЕШНАЯ КОРРЕКЦИЯ ОБЩЕГО АТРИОВЕНТРИКУЛЯРНОГО КАНАЛА С ТЕТРАДОЙ ФАЛЛО И ГИПОПЛАЗИЕЙ ПРАВОГО ЖЕЛУДОЧКА У РЕБЕНКА 2 ЛЕТ 4 МЕСЯЦЕВ

The paper presents a description of a case of successful one and a half ventricular correction of a complex congenital cardiac anomalies, including the common atrioventricular canal, tetralogy of Fallot, and hypoplasia of the right ventricle in a child (2 year and 4 months). Ararecongenitalanomalycharacterized by acombinationof intracardiac defects, required an innovative surgical approach, the exclusivity of this clinical case has determined. The surgical strategy of complete atrioventricular canal defect is determined by a number of factors. One of the most important is balance between right and left ventricular outputs. The balanced type with adequate development of the ventricles involves the biventricular repair performance. Unbalancedatrioventricular canal defects includea hypoplastic ventricle. Reconstructive surgeryfor onehypoplasticventricle is oriented towards the degree of hypoplasia. In particular, a mild right ventricular hypoplasia allows perfoming biventricular radical operation while a severe degree suggests univentricular repair. In case of borderline, moderate degree of hypoplastic right ventricle the one and half ventricle repair can be carried out. Another important point is the presence of concomitant pulmonic stenosis required the choice of optimal method and material for reconstruction which is not always obvious and often it is the subject of debates. This report presents a description of the diagnostic stages with an emphasis on determining the type of balance of the common atrioventricular canal, the degree of hypoplasia of the right ventricle, the approach to choosing the optimal method for correcting the defect in general and the material for reconstructing the outflow pathway from the right ventricle in particular, as well as the subsequent successful correction of congenital multicomponent cardiac abnormalities in a young patient.

The effect of Surgical Technique, Age and Trisomy 21 on early outcome of Surgical Management of Complete Atrioventricular Canal Defect

Abstract Background The optimal timing, surgical technique and the influence of Down syndrome on outcome of surgical repair of Complete Atrio-Ventricular Canal Defect (CAVC) remains uncertain. We reviewed our experience in repair of CAVC to identify the influence of these factors on operative outcome. Methods A prospective study included 70 patients who underwent repair of CAVC at Ain Shams university hospitals, academy of cardiothoracic surgery during the period from July 2016 to October 2019. Age at surgery (less than 6 months old versus later), surgical technique used [(modified single patch versus double patch technique), (use of posterior annuloplasty for repair of left AV valve or not)] and association of Down syndrome were evaluated for their impact on the outcome of surgical repair using multivariate analysis. Patients were followed up for 6 months; primary end point was mortality and secondary end point was reappearance of LAVV regurgitation. Results No significant difference between patients operated on, at the first 6 months of age versus later, regarding mortality or LAVV regurgitation. Down patients showed significant difference in the occurrence of postoperative compared to non-Down patients (LAVVR grade 2 + = 8.9% vs 24%, P value =0.005) respectively. Surgical repair by Modified single patch technique showed significant reduction in cross clamp time (mean = 47.6 ± 9.227 min vs 73.55 ± 21.087 min, P value 0.00), shorter bypass time (mean = 71.13 ± 13.507 min vs 99.19 ± 27.092 min, P value =0.00) and shorter duration of ICU stay (mean =3.2 ± 1.657 days vs 5.3 ± 2.761 days, P value=0.01) as compared to double patch technique. Posterior annuloplasty used for repair of LAVV compared to closure of cleft only resulted in significant reduction in the occurrence of post-operative valve regurgitation during the early period (LAVVR 2+ 43% vs 7%, P value=0.03) and at 6 months of follow up. (LAVVR 2+ 35.4% vs 0%, P value=0.01) respectively. Conclusion early intervention, in the first 6 months in patients with CAVC by surgical repair gives comparable acceptable results to later repair, Down syndrome was not found to be a risk factor for early intervention. Modified single patch and double patch techniques for repair, can be used both with comparable results even in large VSD component (8mm and larger), finally, repair of common AV valve by cleft closure with posterior LAV annulplasty showed better results with significant decrease in postoperative LAV regurgitation and early mortality in comparison to closure of cleft only.

The effect of surgical technique, age, and Trisomy 21 on early outcome of surgical management of complete atrioventricular canal defect.

The optimal timing, surgical technique, and the influence of Trisomy 21 on the outcome of surgical repair of Complete Atrioventricular Canal Defect remains uncertain. We reviewed our experience in the repair of CAVC to identify the influence of these factors on operative outcomes. A prospective study included 70 patients, who underwent repair of CAVC at our institute between July, 2016 and October, 2019. Primary endpoint was mortality and the secondary endpoint was a degree of left atrioventricular valve regurgitation. No significant difference was noted between patients operated on, at the first 6 months of age versus later, regarding mortality or LAVV regurgitation. Surgical repair by modified single-patch technique showed a significant reduction in bypass time (71.13±13.507 min versus 99.19±27.092min, p-value = 0.001). Compared to closure of cleft only, posterior annuloplasty used for repair of LAVV resulted in significant reduction in the occurrence of post-operative valve regurgitation during the early period (LAVV 2 + 43 versus 7 %, p-value = 0.03) and at 6 months of follow-up (LAVV 2 + 35.4 versus 0 %, p-value = 0.01), respectively. Early intervention, in the first 6 months in patients with CAVC by surgical repair gives comparable acceptable results to later repair; Trisomy 21 was not found to be a risk factor for early intervention. Repair of common AV valve by cleft closure with posterior LAVV annuloplasty showed better results with a significant decrease in post-operative LAVV regurgitation and early mortality in comparison to the closure of cleft only.

Early outcome of surgical repair of complete atrioventricular canal defects (comparative study between children before and after 6 months of age)

Background: Complete atrioventricular septal defect (CAVSD) is composed of a primum atrial septal defect, nonrestrictive inlet ventricular septal defect and common atrioventricular (AV) valve. The aim of this study was to compare the result of surgical repair of complete atrioventricular (CAVC) before and after six months of age. Methods: Between January 2018 and December 2019 at Al-Azhar University and Atfal Misr hospital, 80 patients underwent CAVC repair. These patients were divided into 2 groups according to the age and each group is of 40 patients. These patients were managed by modified patch and double patch techniques. Results: In-group A, the mortality was four operative deaths, four patients with severs mitral reguigitation and mean pulmonary artery pressure 30 – 55 mmHg. While in the group B, there were seven operative deaths, two patients with severs mitral reguigitation and mean pulmonary artery pressure 50 – 65 mmHg. Conclusion: Early repair improve the pulmonary artery pressure with high incidence of surgical reintervention for Lt AV valve, while late repair improve the results for Lt AV valve but has a lower effect on the pulmonary artery pressure.

Can Fetal Echocardiographic Measurements of the Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Angle Detect Fetuses with Conotruncal Cardiac Anomalies?

Objectives: The angle between the inter-ventricular septum and the ascending aorta can be measured during a sonographic fetal survey while viewing the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT angle). Our aim was to compare the LVOT angle between fetuses with and without conotruncal cardiac anomaliesrmations. Methods: In this prospective observational study, we compared the LVOT angle between normal fetuses, at different gestational age, and fetuses with cardiac malformations. Results: The study included 302 fetuses screened at gestational age of 12–39 weeks. The LVOT angle ranged from 127 to 163 degrees (mean 148.2), in 293 fetuses with normal hearts, and was not correlated with gestational age. The LVOT angle was significantly wider in fetuses with D-transposition of the great arteries (D-TGA, eight fetuses) and valvar aortic stenosis (AS, three fetuses), than in fetuses with normal hearts (164.8 ± 5.0 vs. 148.2 ± 5.4, respectively, p < 0.001). Conversely, the LVOT angle was significantly narrower in fetuses with complete atrioventricular canal defect (AVC, eight fetuses), than in fetuses with normal hearts (124.8 ± 2.4 vs. 148.2 ± 5.4, respectively, p < 0.001). On ROC analysis, an angle of 159.6 degrees or higher had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 97.3% for the detection of TGA or AS, whereas an angle of 128.8 degrees or lower had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 99.7% for the detection of AVC defect. Conclusions: The LVOT angle is constant during pregnancy, and differs significantly in fetuses with TGA/AS, and AVC, compared to fetuses with normal hearts (wider and narrower, respectively).

Post-operative course of pulmonary artery pressure after complete atrioventricular canal defect repair.

The purpose of this study is to describe the evolution of pulmonary artery hypertension after repair of complete atrioventricular canal defect and to determine the time to normalisation of pulmonary artery pressure in both patients with and without Trisomy 21. This is a single centre, retrospective analysis of patients with complete atrioventricular canal defect admitted for surgical repair at the University of Maryland Medical Center from 2005 to 2015. T-test or Mann-Whitney test and Chi-Square or Fisher's exact tests were used to compare the two groups (patients with Trisomy 21 and those without). Repeated measures of analysis of variance and serial measurement analysis were performed. Twenty-nine patients meeting the inclusion criteria underwent repair of complete atrioventricular defects during the study period. The right ventricular pressure estimate remained elevated over time and did not show a significant difference between the two groups. Right ventricular to systolic blood pressure ratios for all patients remained > 0.5 over the time periods assessed. Our study suggests that in patients with complete atrioventricular canal defects, the right ventricular pressure remains elevated and does not normalise on echocardiograms performed up to one year after surgery, suggesting a sustained elevation in pulmonary vascular resistance.

Aortic Saturation Predicted Operability in Acyanotic Congenital Heart Disease with Left-to-Right Shunt

Background: Cardiac catheterization is the gold standard to determine operability in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) with left to right shunt and pulmonary hypertension. Objective: To determine if systemic oxygen saturation could be used as a screening tool for acyanotic CHD patients who are operable without having to undergo an invasive procedure. Materials and Methods: All cardiac catheterization data at the King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital between 2002 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. The inclusion criteria were acyanotic lesion with left-to-right shunt, mean pulmonary artery pressure of 25 mmHg or more, pulmonary overcirculation (Qp:Qs greater than 1), and absence of significant left sided heart disease (LAP or PCWP of less than 15 mmHg). Operability was defined as Rpi of 6 WU.m² or less and Rp:Rs of less than 0.3 in room air. The value of aortic saturation as diagnostic test for operability was analyzed by ROC curve analysis. Results: Two hundred twenty-six patients, with a median age of two years old, (IQR 0.11, 6.00) were divided into pre-tricuspid shunt (ASD, PAPVR, 9.7%), complete atrioventricular (AV) canal defect (13%), and other post-tricuspid lesion (VSD, PDA, 77%). Aortic saturation cut-off values to predict operability with 100% specificity were 98.5% in pre-tricuspid shunt, 100% in post-tricuspid shunt group, and 94.5% in complete AV canal group. Conclusion: In the present study population, aortic saturation may be used to determine operability in acyanotic CHD patients with pulmonary overcirculation. Diagnostic yield is best in patients with complete AV canal defect in whom oxygen saturation of 95% or above identified operability with close to 100% specificity. In other lesions, there appears to be no oxygen saturation that is safe to preclude cardiac catheterization. Keywords: Congenital heart disease, Acyanotic heart disease, Non-cyanotic heart lesions, Pulmonary hypertension, Operability, Aortic saturation

Repair of complete atrioventricular canal defects: Early and midterm results and comparison of the left anterior leaflet augmentation technique with traditional technics.

Complete atrioventricular septal defects (CAVSD) include a variable spectrum of congenital malformations with different forms of clinical findings. We examined early and midterm outcomes, the need for reoperation, postoperative residual AV valve regurgitation, and other risk factors after various CAVSD repairs. Between 2014 and 2018, we have performed 89 isolated CAVSD repairs. We retrospectively reviewed the patients' medical records. Patients were divided into three groups according to their repair techniques modified one patch repair (MP) (n = 16); two patch repair (TP) (n = 49); and left anterior leaflet augmentation (ALA) technique (n = 24). Eighty patients (89.8%) survived hospital discharge. Early mortality rates were three (18.8%) in the group MP, five (10.2%) in the group TP, and one (4.2%) in the group ALA. Thirteen patients died during the follow-up period. Late mortality rates were three (18.8%) in the group MP, four (16.6%) in the group ALA, and six (12.2%) in the group TP. The mean follow-up time was 35.9 ± 22.97 months (range: 0.3-77 months). The morbidity and mortality results were similar between-group TP and ALA but worse in the MP group. Low body weight (<4 kg) and younger age at surgery (<4 months) were found to be risk factors on mortality by univariate and multivariate analysis. Surgical technic was not found to be an independent risk factor. In our series, TP and ALA techniques had satisfactory results in early and midterm periods. Younger age and small bodyweight might increase early mortality and the need for reoperation.

A case of a complete atrioventricular canal defect in a ferret

BackgroundAtrioventricular canal defect is a rare congenital disorder of the heart and describes the presence of an atrial septal defect, a variable presentation of ventricular septal alterations including ventricular septal defect malformations in the mitral and tricuspid valves. The defect has been described in human beings, dogs, cats, pigs, and horses.Case presentationThis paper describes the case of a complete atrioventricular canal defect in a four-year-old intact male pet ferret (Mustela putorius furo), which was presented due to posterior weakness, ataxia, and decreased appetite. A loud systolic murmur, dyspnea, and hind limb paraparesis were detected during the clinical examination. Thoracic radiographs showed generalized cardiomegaly and lung edema. ECG showed sinus rhythm with prolonged P waves and QRS complexes. Echocardiography showed a large atrial septal defect, atrioventricular dysplasia, and a ventricular septal defect. Palliative treatment with oxygen, furosemide, spironolactone, enalapril, diltiazem, and supportive care was chosen as the therapy of choice. The ferret recovered gradually during hospitalization. A follow-up examination at three and six months showed stabilization of cardiac function.ConclusionsTo the authors knowledge, this is the first time an atrioventricular canal defect has been described in a pet ferret.

An analysis of Atrioventricular Canal Defect (AVCD) in Children in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria, West Africa

Aims: This was to determine the demographic and echocardiographic characteristics of AVCD patients and analyse the types of defect associated with the presence or absence of obvious phenotypic syndromes in children in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.&#x0D; Methodology: It is a prospective study of children with AVCD seen over a 5 years period. Data on age, gender, presence or absence of chromosomal/genetic syndrome, age at onset of symptoms and age at presentation to the hospital, parental age, echocardiographic description, and outcome were analysed.&#x0D; Results: Eighty-one cases of AVCD were analyzed with a male to female ratio of 1.1:1. Age ranged from birth to five years with a Mean Age of 5.5 months and Mode 3 months. There were more non-syndromic patients 46(56.8%) compared to 35(43.2%) patients with features of chromosomal syndrome. Complete AVCD with a common atrioventricular valve was the commonest findings in syndromic and non-syndromic children. Transitional AVCD was seen only in syndromic patients. Non-syndromic patients had more complex additional cardiac anomalies.&#x0D; Conclusion: That more than 50% of cases of AVCD seen were in non-syndromic children in the Niger Delta is worrisome because this is an oil exploratory region known for constant gas flaring and environmental pollutants.

Complete Atrioventricular Canal Defect with Infective Endocarditis in a Neonate

AbstractThis is the case of a new born baby with complete atrioventricular (AV) canal defect with common atrium and vegetations on the common AV, pulmonary, and aortic valves.