Congenital Cardiac Malformations Research Articles

Construction of the amniotic fluid-derived exosomal ceRNA network associated with ventricular septal defect

Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is the most frequent congenital cardiac malformations. Amniotic fluid (AF) contains a higher abundance of biological compounds that could reflect fetal health information. The aims of our study were to construct a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network based on AF-derived exosomal ncRNAs. We conducted whole transcriptome profiling in six pairs of AF-derived exosomes from VSD fetuses and matched healthy controls. A total of 1252 differentially expressed (DE) mRNAs, 256 DE-miRNAs and 1090 DE-lncRNAs were found to be significantly altered in the VSD group. We constructed a ceRNA regulatory network including 46 mRNAs, 11 miRNAs and 47 lncRNAs. The expression level of 6 hub RNAs were validated using qRT-PCR. In conclusion, AF-derived exosomal VSD-related ceRNAs provide a basis for a better understanding of the role of ncRNAs in the pathogenesis and mechanisms of VSD, which may lead to the discovery of potential diagnostic biomarkers for fetal VSD.

Biallelic TMEM260 variants cause truncus arteriosus, with or without renal defects.

Only two families have been reported with biallelic TMEM260 variants segregating with structural heart defects and renal anomalies syndrome (SHDRA). With a combination of genome, exome sequencing and RNA studies, we identified eight individuals from five families with biallelic TMEM260 variants. Variants included one multi-exon deletion, four nonsense/frameshifts, two splicing changes and one missense change. Together with the published cases, analysis of clinical data revealed ventricular septal defects (12/12), mostly secondary to truncus arteriosus (10/12), elevated creatinine levels (6/12), horse-shoe kidneys (1/12) and renal cysts (1/12) in patients. Three pregnancies were terminated on detection of severe congenital anomalies. Six patients died between the ages of 6 weeks and 5 years. Using a range of stringencies, carrier frequency for SHDRA was estimated at 0.0007-0.007 across ancestries. In conclusion, this study confirms the genetic basis of SHDRA, expands its known mutational spectrum and clarifies its clinical features. We demonstrate that SHDRA is a severe condition associated with substantial mortality in early childhood and characterised by congenital cardiac malformations with a variable renal phenotype.

Prenatal Diagnosis of Ebstein Anomaly in a Centre with Limited Resources: A Potential Pitfall

BACKGROUND: Ebstein anomaly is a rare congenital cardiac malformation characterized by varying degrees of downward displacement of the tricuspid valve leaflets into the cavity of the right ventricle. The pathophysiology varies with the degree of valvular malfunction, the size, and contractility of the right ventricle, and the presence of obstruction within the right ventricular outflow tract. An early diagnosis makes worse the often prognosis. Fetal echocardiography is a useful tool for the diagnosis of congenital heart disease including the Ebstein anomaly which shows a wide spectrum of ultrasonographic manifestations and, sometimes it can be difficult to make a true prenatal diagnosis. CASE REPORT: Here, we describe a unique case of an Ebstein anomaly in 26 weeks of gestation fetus through prenatal echocardiographic evaluation. Fetus was suspected as a severe form of the Ebstein anomaly, with a severe form of right atrium enlargement, huge tricuspid insufficiency, and hypoplastic pulmonary artery. The atrial septum, dimensions of cardiac structures, left and right cardiac output, and Doppler interrogation of cardiac flows were examined. CONCLUSION: This case study presents a well-documented case of Ebstein’s anomaly type D that was diagnosed prenatally using fetal echocardiography.

THE COMBINATORIAL ROLE OF IROQUOIS HOMEOBOX GENES 3 AND 4 IN THE COMPACTION OF THE VENTRICULAR MYOCARDIUM

BACKGROUND Left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy (LVNC) is a congenital cardiomyopathy, characterized by excessive ventricular trabeculation, with a ‘spongy’ appearance of the myocardium, deep intertrabecular recesses, and a thin compacted myocardial layer. LVNC has recently gained more attention because it has been increasingly recognized as a cause of heart failure, thromboembolism, or ventricular arrhythmia, which can all lead to sudden cardiac death. However, due to its heterogeneous anatomical and clinical features, LVNC is still a poorly understood condition. In addition, LVNC is suggested to be due to a premature arrest in the myocardial compaction process, but its genetic basis and pathologic mechanism remain largely unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS Here we introduce novel genetic factors implicated in ventricular compaction. Specifically, combinatorial loss of two Iroquois homeobox (Irx) transcription factors, Irx3, critical for development and function of the ventricular conduction system (e.g., His-bundle, bundle branches and Purkinje fibers) and Irx4, essential for establishing ventricular identity, recapitulates the clinical hallmarks of LVNC in mice. While mice lacking either Irx3 or Irx4 do not exhibit gross congenital cardiac malformations, mice lacking both Irx3 and Irx4 (Irx3;Irx4DKO) show postnatal lethality with abnormal muscular growths that resemble the polypoid pattern of LVNC, characterized by multiple muscular nodes in the left ventricle. Optical projection tomography in postnatal day 14 (P14) mutant hearts unveiled increased trabeculation, abnormal bridging below the papillary muscles, and disorganized muscle structures (Fig. 1). During embryogenesis, Irx3 and Irx4 exhibit overlapping expression in the developing ventricles. Consistent with the hypothesis that LVNC can be caused by a defect in embryonic heart growth, Irx3;Irx4DKO embryonic hearts showed abnormal trabeculation with thinner ventricular walls as early as E14.5. RNA sequencing on E14.5 Irx3;Irx4DKO ventricles revealed altered ventricular identity with atrial gene activation and enriched Bmp2/Tbx2 pathway that is critical for endocardial cushion development by suppressing cardiomyocyte differentiation. Moreover, co-immunoprecipitation discovered that Irx4 physically interacts with Irx3 and Gata4, and promoter assay further showed that Irx3, Irx4, and Gata4 synergistically suppress Tbx2 promoter activity, suggesting the repressive role of this transcriptional regulatory complex in the developing myocardium. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates a novel mechanistic interaction of Irx3 and Irx4, in cooperation with Gata4, during the ventricular compaction process, thereby ensuring proper ventricular development. This finding can promote improvement of genetic testing for LVNC and prediction of individual outcomes with LVNC. Left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy (LVNC) is a congenital cardiomyopathy, characterized by excessive ventricular trabeculation, with a ‘spongy’ appearance of the myocardium, deep intertrabecular recesses, and a thin compacted myocardial layer. LVNC has recently gained more attention because it has been increasingly recognized as a cause of heart failure, thromboembolism, or ventricular arrhythmia, which can all lead to sudden cardiac death. However, due to its heterogeneous anatomical and clinical features, LVNC is still a poorly understood condition. In addition, LVNC is suggested to be due to a premature arrest in the myocardial compaction process, but its genetic basis and pathologic mechanism remain largely unknown. Here we introduce novel genetic factors implicated in ventricular compaction. Specifically, combinatorial loss of two Iroquois homeobox (Irx) transcription factors, Irx3, critical for development and function of the ventricular conduction system (e.g., His-bundle, bundle branches and Purkinje fibers) and Irx4, essential for establishing ventricular identity, recapitulates the clinical hallmarks of LVNC in mice. While mice lacking either Irx3 or Irx4 do not exhibit gross congenital cardiac malformations, mice lacking both Irx3 and Irx4 (Irx3;Irx4DKO) show postnatal lethality with abnormal muscular growths that resemble the polypoid pattern of LVNC, characterized by multiple muscular nodes in the left ventricle. Optical projection tomography in postnatal day 14 (P14) mutant hearts unveiled increased trabeculation, abnormal bridging below the papillary muscles, and disorganized muscle structures (Fig. 1). During embryogenesis, Irx3 and Irx4 exhibit overlapping expression in the developing ventricles. Consistent with the hypothesis that LVNC can be caused by a defect in embryonic heart growth, Irx3;Irx4DKO embryonic hearts showed abnormal trabeculation with thinner ventricular walls as early as E14.5. RNA sequencing on E14.5 Irx3;Irx4DKO ventricles revealed altered ventricular identity with atrial gene activation and enriched Bmp2/Tbx2 pathway that is critical for endocardial cushion development by suppressing cardiomyocyte differentiation. Moreover, co-immunoprecipitation discovered that Irx4 physically interacts with Irx3 and Gata4, and promoter assay further showed that Irx3, Irx4, and Gata4 synergistically suppress Tbx2 promoter activity, suggesting the repressive role of this transcriptional regulatory complex in the developing myocardium. Our study demonstrates a novel mechanistic interaction of Irx3 and Irx4, in cooperation with Gata4, during the ventricular compaction process, thereby ensuring proper ventricular development. This finding can promote improvement of genetic testing for LVNC and prediction of individual outcomes with LVNC.

Pulmonary valve infective endocarditis

Background and Objectives:Infective endocarditis (IE) involving the native pulmonary valve (PV) is extremely rare, with no data in Indian literature. The objective of this communication is to describe the clinical and diagnostic characteristics, underlying risk factors, microbiological features, and management of PVIE.Methods:This is a retrospective analysis of 8 cases of PVIE managed in a tertiary care center from 1992 to 2020.Results:PVIE was observed in 8 patients with underlying congenital cardiac malformation (Group A, 6 Patients) and in patients with central venous catheter (Group B, 2 patients). All the patients had prolonged febrile illness accompanied by right heart failure 4 (50%), septic pulmonary emboli 2 (25%), and pulmonary regurgitation 3 (37.5%). Trans-thoracic echocardiography demonstrated the vegetations, whereas computed tomography of chest diagnosed pulmonary emboli in 2 (25%), and pulmonary artery aneurysm in 1 (12.5%) patient. The early mortality was extremely high (5, 62.5%). Delayed diagnosis, fulminant septicemia, and multi-organ failure resulted in unfavorable outcomes.Conclusions:IE of the native PV is a rare and potentially lethal illness. Diagnosis should be considered in any febrile patient with an underlying congenital defect, central venous line, bacteremia, and comorbidities. Multi-modality imaging should be utilized to enhance the diagnostic yield and detect complications promptly.

Aorto-pulmonary Window, a Rare Congenital Heart Disease: Case Report

Aortopulmonary window (APW) is an uncommon congenital cardiac malformation, accounting for 0.1% of all congenital cardiac diseases. It is a defect between the ascending aorta and the trunk of the pulmonary artery. Such abnormality may occur as an isolated lesion or it can be associated with other cardiac abnormalities in one third to one half of cases. Clinical and hemodynamic presentation of this condition depends on the size of the defect and on the associated lesions. It is usually fatal in infancy or childhood if untreated with the development of irreversible pulmonary hypertension. Once the diagnosis is made, surgery must be performed quickly to avoid irreversible pulmonary vascular disease. We report the case of a 5-month-old infant with APW who was referred to our center by respiratory symptoms and heart murmurs.

Cone Reconstruction for Ebstein Anomaly: Ventricular Remodeling and Preliminary Impact of Stem Cell Therapy

ObjectiveTo define the impact of tricuspid valve cone reconstruction (CR) on ventricular performance in Ebstein anomaly, both independently and after stem cell therapy. Patients and MethodsThe control group included 257 patients who had CR between June 2007 and December 2019. Ten subjects of a phase I stem cell therapy trial (May 2017 – March 2019) were compared with the controls to assess the echocardiographic impact on ventricular remodeling. ResultsAfter CR, right ventricular (RV) size decreased and left ventricular (LV) volume increased in all patients. Apical and biplane RV fractional area change (FAC) initially decreased, but rebounded by 6 months postoperation. Short-axis FAC increased early and was maintained at 6 months post-CR in the control group. At 6 months post-CR, cell therapy patients showed a significantly larger increase in short-axis FAC (24.4% vs 29.9%, P=.003). In addition, whereas LV ejection fraction (EF) was unchanged at 6 months post-CR in controls, cell therapy patients showed a significant increase in EF relative to baseline and to controls (55.6% vs 65.0%, P=.007). ConclusionCone reconstruction reduces tricuspid regurgitation and RV size, but is also associated with increased RV FAC and LV volume. Furthermore, injection of bone marrow–derived stem cells augmented the increase in RV FAC and was associated with improved LV EF at 6 months post-CR. This is evidence of a favorable interventricular interaction. These findings provide motivation for continued investigation into the potential benefits of stem cell therapy in Ebstein anomaly and other congenital cardiac malformations. Trial Registrationclinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT02914171

Critical congenital heart disease and maternal comorbidities: An observation

BackgroundCritical congenital heart disease is the target of postnatal, pulse-oximetry screening; nevertheless, prenatal detection is preferable. Prenatal diagnosis allows for advanced perinatal planning, parental counseling, potential fetal cardiac intervention if indicated, and avoidance of complicated, costly, and at times, risky neonatal transport. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate a possible association between the occurrence of critical congenital heart disease and pregnancies complicated by maternal comorbidities. MethodsWe identified all those prenatally and postnatally diagnosed with critical congenital heart disease in Nevada between July 2014 and June 2020. For each identified case of critical congenital heart disease, we assessed each mother's medical history. We divided pregnant women into two groups: 1) those with maternal comorbidities and 2) those without comorbidities. ResultsWe identified 367 cases of critical congenital heart disease. Of the 367, 229 (62%) occurred in those with maternal comorbidities. Of the 367, 321 (87%) were live-born. Of the 321 live-born, 201 (63%) occurred in those with maternal comorbidities, however, the prevalence of maternal comorbidities in the general pregnancy population is not known. The majority of patients born with critical heart disease were born to mothers with comorbidities versus those without comorbidities for both the total and live-born cohorts (p = 0.00001). Of the 321 live-born, 10 had no prenatal care. Of the 311 with prenatal care, 248 (80%) were prenatally diagnosed. During the study period, there were approximately 210,000 live births in Nevada, for a prevalence of 15.2 (321/210,000) critical congenital cardiac malformations per 10,000 live births. ConclusionIn Nevada, most of those with critical congenital heart disease are products of pregnancies complicated by maternal comorbidities. Further, the state-wide, live-born, critical congenital heart disease prenatal-detection rate was 80%.

A Multi-Omics Approach Using a Mouse Model of Cardiac Malformations for Prioritization of Human Congenital Heart Disease Contributing Genes.

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common type of birth defect, affecting ~1% of all live births. Malformations of the cardiac outflow tract (OFT) account for ~30% of all CHD and include a range of CHDs from bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) to tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). We hypothesized that transcriptomic profiling of a mouse model of CHD would highlight disease-contributing genes implicated in congenital cardiac malformations in humans. To test this hypothesis, we utilized global transcriptional profiling differences from a mouse model of OFT malformations to prioritize damaging, de novo variants identified from exome sequencing datasets from published cohorts of CHD patients. Notch1+/−; Nos3−/− mice display a spectrum of cardiac OFT malformations ranging from BAV, semilunar valve (SLV) stenosis to TOF. Global transcriptional profiling of the E13.5 Notch1+/−; Nos3−/− mutant mouse OFTs and wildtype controls was performed by RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). Analysis of the RNA-Seq dataset demonstrated genes belonging to the Hif1α, Tgf-β, Hippo, and Wnt signaling pathways were differentially expressed in the mutant OFT. Mouse to human comparative analysis was then performed to determine if patients with TOF and SLV stenosis display an increased burden of damaging, genetic variants in gene homologs that were dysregulated in Notch1+/−; Nos3−/− OFT. We found an enrichment of de novo variants in the TOF population among the 1,352 significantly differentially expressed genes in Notch1+/−; Nos3−/− mouse OFT but not the SLV population. This association was not significant when comparing only highly expressed genes in the murine OFT to de novo variants in the TOF population. These results suggest that transcriptomic datasets generated from the appropriate temporal, anatomic and cellular tissues from murine models of CHD may provide a novel approach for the prioritization of disease-contributing genes in patients with CHD.

Rare double orifice mitral valve malformation associated with bicuspid aortic valve in Turner syndrome: diagnosed by a series of novel three-dimensional echocardiography and literature review

BackgroundPatients with both double orifice mitral valve (DOMV) and bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) malformation are rare. Although DOMV or BAV can be detected in some genetic syndromes, it has not been reported to simultaneously appear in Turner syndrome (TS). TrueVue, TouchVue, and TrueVue Glass are the latest technologies in advanced three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE), which is an important information supplement to two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE) for the diagnosis of congenital cardiac malformations. Herein we report the novel use of the above-mentioned technologies in the diagnosis and evaluation of a rare, combined valve malformation. Meanwhile, we also reviewed the literature for cases involving both DOMV and BAV and their association with various genetic syndromes.Case presentationWe present the case of a 5-year-old girl diagnosed with TS because of a developmental delay. DOMV and BAV were found through echocardiographic examination. Three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography as well as a series of novel advanced techniques were applied to clearly display the spatial structure of all tiers of the mitral valve apparatus, aortic valve, and arch to facilitate an accurate diagnosis.ConclusionsThis is the first case in which both DOMV and BAV were associated with TS. Innovative TrueVue and TrueVue Glass offer unprecedented photographic stereoscopic images, while TouchVue technology greatly improved the ultrasonic diagnostic workflow and the diagnostic performance of rare valve malformations by adding virtual light sources to display realistic light-shadow effects.

Variants in a cis-regulatory element of TBX1 in conotruncal heart defect patients impair GATA6-mediated transactivation

BackgroundTBX1 (T-box transcription factor 1) is a major candidate gene that likely contributes to the etiology of velo-cardio-facial syndrome/DiGeorge syndrome (VCFS/DGS). Although the haploinsufficiency of TBX1 in both mice and humans results in congenital cardiac malformations, little has been elucidated about its upstream regulation. We aimed to explore the transcriptional regulation and dysregulation of TBX1.MethodsDifferent TBX1 promoter reporters were constructed. Luciferase assays and electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) were used to identify a cis-regulatory element within the TBX1 promoter region and its trans-acting factor. The expression of proteins was identified by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Variants in the cis-regulatory element were screened in conotruncal defect (CTD) patients. In vitro functional assays were performed to show the effects of the variants found in CTD patients on the transactivation of TBX1.ResultsWe identified a cis-regulatory element within intron 1 of TBX1 that was found to be responsive to GATA6 (GATA binding protein 6), a transcription factor crucial for cardiogenesis. The expression patterns of GATA6 and TBX1 overlapped in the pharyngeal arches of human embryos. Transfection experiments and EMSA indicated that GATA6 could activate the transcription of TBX1 by directly binding with its GATA cis-regulatory element in vitro. Furthermore, sequencing analyses of 195 sporadic CTD patients without the 22q11.2 deletion or duplication identified 3 variants (NC_000022.11:g.19756832C > G, NC_000022.11:g.19756845C > T, and NC_000022.11:g. 19756902G > T) in the non-coding cis-regulatory element of TBX1. Luciferase assays showed that all 3 variants led to reduced transcription of TBX1 when incubated with GATA6.ConclusionsOur findings showed that TBX1 might be a direct transcriptional target of GATA6, and variants in the non-coding cis-regulatory element of TBX1 disrupted GATA6-mediated transactivation.

Paediatric brain abscesses in tribal region of India

Introduction: Brain parenchymal abscesses are relatively infrequent but potentially serious infections in the paediatric population. Surgical intervention in addition to a prolonged administration of antibiotics is generally appropriate management. Aims and objective: We performed this study to assess the clinical profile, aetiology and outcome of paediatric brain abscess which are treated surgically only by aspiration in the tribal region of Rajasthan. Material and method: A single-centre retrospective study was conducted over a 5 year period (2014–2019) in the department of neurosurgery in RNT medical college, Udaipur, Rajasthan. We treated approx 60 patients of which 25 patients treated conservatively and 5 patient treated by craniotomy and abscess excision. So only 30 patient included in our study in which abscess treated by aspiration only. Patients<18 years of age with a confirmed intra-parenchymal abscess were included. Patient records were reviewed for abscess location, microbiology results, Clinical features, Surgical intervention, and outcome using the Glasgow Outcome Score at 3 months. Result: 11 patients had an abscess in the temporal lobe and Streptococcus was the most common causative micro-organism (n¼15). 25 patients (80%) had an identifiable source which included: ENT infections, congenital cardiac malformations, recent dental surgery and meningitis. The most common symptom is fever f/b headache, seizure and vomiting. But despite previous studies seizure (10/30) presentation is comparatively more. All 30 patients underwent aspiration. Conclusion: In tribal regions of India ENT infections are a more common source of brain abscess because of poor hygiene and illiteracy and their ignorance of ENT infections and also not taking seriously to fever, headache and other health issues. But at present, there are also decreasing trends of brain abscess by ENT infections and rising trends by congenital heart disease which is a good sign that the health and educational infrastructure is strengthening in the tribal region also.

Tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia and aortopulmonary window may mimic common arterial trunk.

Tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia is a group of congenital cardiac malformations, which is defined by the absence of luminal continuity between both ventricles and the pulmonary artery, and an interventricular communication. Pulmonary arterial supply in patients with tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia can be via the arterial duct or from collateral arteries arising directly or indirectly from the aorta (systemic-to-pulmonary artery collaterals), or rarely both. The rarest sources of pulmonary blood flow are aortopulmonary window and fistulous communication with the coronary artery.Herein, we describe an outflow tract malformation, tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia and aortopulmonary window, which was misdiagnosed as common arterial trunk. We emphasise the morphological differences.

Utility of a modified vascular corrosion casting technique in the diagnosis of fetal total anomalous pulmonary venous connection

Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) is a rare congenital cardiac malformation, and prenatal detection of TAPVC malformation remains a challenging. TAPVC can be easily missed or misdiagnosed in prenatal examinations. This study was aimed to use the modified vascular corrosion casting technique to prepare fetal cardiovascular casts with TAPVC and investigate the utility of cardiovascular casting for the demonstration of fetal TAPVC. The retrospective study enrolled twenty fetuses (22 to 29 + 4 gestational weeks) with TAPVC diagnosed by prenatal echocardiography and casting technique from May 2015 to May 2020. Pre- and postnatal medical records, including results obtained by prenatal ultrasound, postpartum computed tomography angiography, as well as anatomic and cardiovascular casting findings were carefully reviewed and analyzed. In twenty cases, 80% (16/20) had intra- or extracardiac malformations. The TAPVC types were supracardiac (n = 8), cardiac (n = 6), infracardiac (n = 4), and mixed (n = 2). The diagnosis of 1 case each of supracardiac and cardiac TAPVC was modified to partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection; additionally, 4 malformations were missed and 2 were misdiagnosed, including an anomalous left brachiocephalic vein in supracardiac TAPVC, abnormal inflow of the hepatic vein and a double inferior vena cava in infracardiac TAPVC; and bilateral ductus arteriosus in infracardiac TAPVC; a tetralogy of Fallot in cardiac TAPVC that was corrected to right ventricular double outlet; and an absence of ductus arteriosus that was misdiagnosed as slim ductus arteriosus. Comparing with ultrasound, casting technique has its own superiority in exhibiting TAPVC abnormalities, especially in certain types such as course, origin and absence abnormalities of ductus. Postpartum cardiovascular casts can accurately depict the branch structure of the heart’s larger vessels, and may be used as a clinical assessment and teaching method in complex cardiac malformations.

Proteomic analysis of the ascending aorta in a hamster model of BAV disease

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the most prevalent human congenital cardiac malformation, which predisposes to ascending aortic dilatation (AD). Disease predisposition probably results from a congenital defect leading to anomalies in both, the morphology of the valve and the histology of the ascending aorta. Altered hemodynamics caused by the abnormal valve morphology would accelerate aortic media degeneration. AD in BAV patients results from medial smooth muscle cell (SMC) apoptosis probably caused by defective cell-matrix adhesion. Alterations of the TGFβ pathway seem to be central in disease initiation and progression, affecting extracellular matrix homeostasis. However, currently there are neither clear pathophysiological mechanisms nor effective biomarkers of disease predisposition or progression.The only spontaneous animal model of BAV disease consists of an inbred (T) strain of Syrian hamsters with a high (40%) incidence of BAV. Although AD has never been described in this model, animals of the T strain show significant SMC apoptosis and altered elastic lamina in the aortic media, irrespective of aortic valve morphology. We reasoned that analysing differentially expressed proteins in the aortic wall of animals with normal aortic valve (TAV) of the T strain compared to a control strain would inform about 1) the validity of the T strain as a model for BAV aortopathy predisposition; 2) the congenital origin of AD associated to BAV; 3) the proteins involved in AD etiology, independent of the effect of hemodynamics.To this aim, we compared the proteome of the ascending aorta of animals with TAV of the T strain (n=6) and a control outbred strain (n=6) by three independent experiments of quantitative proteomics (ESI-Quadrupole-Orbitrap LFQ). The analysis yielded expression data for over 1,954 proteins. Of these, 57 proteins (2.9%) showed concordant expression in at least two of the three experiments and were deregulated over 2.6-fold.Fourteen of these 57 proteins (24.6%) were previously proposed as AD biomarkers in patients. After database search, the 57 selected proteins were found to significantly interact (p<0.05 following FDR adjustment) within 16 molecular pathways and 27 biological processes on the STRING website. Most of these pathways and processes were relevant to AD pathophysiology, of note are the TGFβ non-canonical pathways (10/57; 17.5%; p=0.043), programmed cell death (14/57; 24.6%; p=3.5e-4), cell adhesion (15/57; 26.3%; p=2.4e-4), supramolecular fiber organization (9/57; 15.8%; p=3.8e-4) and stress fiber assembly (2/57; 3.5%; p=0.037).These results were obtained comparing the proteomes of aortas of individuals with TAV from an affected and a control strain. Thus, genetic rather than hemodynamic factors explain the structural abnormalities of the ascending aorta in this model. We propose that the T strain is an appropriate model for AD predisposition, as it replicates the ethiophysiological processes observed in patients. Deep study of our ascending aorta proteome analysis may uncover new molecular players and markers associated with aortopathy predisposition and progression.

Advanced maternal age and critical congenital cardiac malformations in Nevada

BackgroundControversy exists regarding an association between advanced maternal age and the occurrence of fetal congenital heart disease and whether advanced maternal age is an indication for fetal echocardiography. ObjectivesOur purpose was to undertake a retrospective, multi-year review of critical congenital heart disease in Nevada to investigate a possible association with advanced maternal age. MethodsWe identified all those prenatally and postnatally diagnosed between September 2012 and August 2020. For each identified case, we tabulated each pregnant woman’s age at the estimated date or actual date of delivery. Using Nevada population demographic data, we calculated the percentages of pregnant women ≥ 35 years old (defined as advanced maternal age) and of pregnant women < 35 years old. Subsequently, we calculated occurrence rates for critical congenital cardiac malformations in advanced and non-advanced maternal age populations. A chi-square risk ratio analysis, excluding aneuploidy cases, was used to determine statistical significance for each malformation. ResultsWe identified 467 total cases. Of the 467, 39 (8.4%) had aneuploidy. Of the 467, 413 (88.4%) were live born, 32 (6.9%) had fetal demise, and 22 (4.7%) had elective termination. There were approximately 280,000 live births during the study period for a prevalence of 14.8 cases (inclusive of both those with and without aneuploidies) per 10,000 live births. From the 428 cases exclusive of aneuploidy, the following malformations were statistically significantly associated with advanced maternal age (risk ratios with 95% CI): 1) coarctation ± ventricular septal defect 1.75 (1.12, 2.73) p = 0.01, 2) D-transposition of the great arteries ± ventricular septal defect 2.13 (1.18, 2.83) p = 0.01, 3) double outlet right ventricle 2.10 (1.01, 4.35) p = 0.04, and 4) tetralogy of Fallot ± pulmonary atresia 2.40 (1.39, 4.31) p = 0.001. ConclusionExcluding aneuploidy cases, advanced maternal age was statistically significantly associated with some critical congenital cardiac malformations and lacked association with others.

Surgical procedures for coronary arteries in pediatric cardiac surgery: Risk factors and outcomes.

Limited data exist regarding the coronary revascularization procedures needed during the repair of several congenital and pediatric cardiac malformations. We aimed to determine risk factors for in-hospital mortality and long-term outcomes of various pediatric coronary revascularization procedures. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 32 consecutive pediatric patients who underwent coronary revascularization procedures at our institution between May 1995 and June 2020. In-hospital mortality, risk factors, surgical indications, revascularization patency, and mid- and long-term follow-up data were investigated. Patients were categorized into the coronary artery bypass grafting (n = 11) and other coronary artery procedure (n = 21) groups. The median age and weight of patients at the time of surgery were 9 months and 4.8 kg, respectively. There were five in-hospital deaths (5/32, 15.6%). The mortality rates were 27.2% (3/11) in the coronary artery bypass grafting group and 9.5% (2/21) in the other coronary artery procedure group (p = .206; 95% confidence interval: 0.496-25.563). The mortality rates for planned and rescue procedures were 8.3% (2/24) and 37.5% (3/8) (p = .06), respectively. The median follow-up time was 12.5 years. Control imaging studies for coronary patency were performed in 70.3% (19/27) of surviving patients. The overall coronary patency rate was 94.7% (18/19). Pediatric coronary revascularization procedures with elective-planned indications can be performed with good outcomes. Young age and rescue and emergency procedures may carry an increased risk of in-hospital mortality, although not found to be statistically significant. Surviving patients require lifelong follow-up regarding the patency of reperfused coronary arteries.

Hospital Survival After Surgical Repair of Truncus Arteriosus with Interrupted Aortic Arch: Results from a Multi-institutional Database.

Truncus arteriosus (TA) is a major congenital cardiac malformation that requires surgical repair in the first few weeks of life. Interrupted aortic arch (IAA) is an associated malformation that significantly impacts the complexity of the TA operation. The aim of this study was to (1) define the comorbid conditions associated with TA and (2) determine the hospital survival and morbidity of patients with TA with and without an IAA. Data was collected from the Vizient Clinical Database/Resource Manager, formerly University HealthSystem Consortium, which encompasses more than 160 academic medical centers in the United States. The database was queried for patients admitted from 2002 to 2016 who were ≤ 4months of age at initial admission, diagnosed with TA, and underwent complete surgical repair during that hospitalization. Of the 645 patients with TA who underwent surgery, 98 (15%) had TA with an interrupted aortic arch (TA-IAA). Both TA and TA-IAA were associated with a high prevalence of comorbidities, including DiGeorge syndrome, prematurity, and other congenital malformations. There was no difference in mortality between TA and TA-IAA (13.7-18.4%, p value = 0.227). No comorbid conditions were associated with an increased mortality in either group. However, patients with TA-IAA had a longer post-operative length of stay (LOS) compared to those without IAA (30 versus 40.3days, p value = 0.001) and this effect was additive with each additional comorbid condition. In conclusion, the addition of IAA to TA is associated with an increased post-operative LOS, but does not increase in-hospital mortality.

Prenatal diagnosis and postnatal course in four fetuses with very rare pulmonary artery anomalies.

Pulmonary artery (PA) anomalies are very rare congenital cardiac malformations, a significant number of which remain unrecognized or misdiagnosed during the prenatal period. We report the prenatal diagnosis and outcome of pregnancy with fetal PA anomalies and discuss the related management issues. We identified four cases of prenatally diagnosed rare PA anomalies that were seen and confirmed in the newborn period by echocardiography and computed tomographic angiography at our center from 2018 to 2020. The course of the pregnancy, perinatal outcome, and the postnatal course in each case were analyzed. Three fetuses were born by repeat cesarean section approximately at 39 weeks of gestation and the other woman delivered vaginally. Of the abnormal origin of the left PA (LPA) in two patients, the first had right PA abnormalities derivating from the ascending aorta, and in the second, the LPA originated from the right PA. Two patients had agenesis of ductus arteriosus (DA), the first was accompanied with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) and right aortic arch with a normal pulmonary valve, the second patient presented with an Absent Pulmonary Valve syndrome with TOF. Prenatal ultrasonography can be used to correctly diagnose the abnormal origin of the PA branches. Branching of the PA, presence of DA, location of the aortic, and ductal arch by the trachea should be routinely screened in the prenatal anatomic examination and the three-vessel and trachea view can determine the primary clues of PA malformations.

Individualized Surgical Reconstruction of the Right Ventricle Outflow Tract in Double Outlet Right Ventricle With Mirror Image-Dextrocardia.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to report our experience in the surgical reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract in double outlet right ventricle with a major coronary artery crossing the right ventricular outflow tract in the presence of mirror image-dextrocardia.Methods: From January 2005 to December 2019, 19 double outlet right ventricle patients (median age 4 years) with mirror image-dextrocardia and a major coronary artery crossing the right ventricular outflow tract received surgical repair. An autologous pericardial patch was used to enlarge the right ventricular outflow tract in four patients without pulmonary stenosis and three patients with mild pulmonary stenosis. A valved bovine jugular venous conduit was added to a hypoplastic native pathway in nine patients, among which six patients with moderate pulmonary stenosis received small-sized bovine jugular venous conduit implantation (diameter ≤ 16 mm). In comparison, a large-sized bovine jugular venous conduit (diameter >16 mm) was adopted in a total of three patients with severe pulmonary stenosis. Finally, three patients with preoperative pulmonary hypertension (mean pulmonary artery pressure ≥40 mmHg) did not undergo further intervention of right ventricular outflow tract due to the adequate outflow tract blood flow.Results: There was no hospital mortality. One patient with sub-pulmonary ventricular septal defect and concomitant severe pulmonary hypertension died from respiratory failure 11 months after the operation. Kaplan-Meier survival was 94% at 5, 10 years. Within a mean echocardiographic follow-up of 6.9 ± 3.6 years, a total of two patients received reintervention due to valvular stenosis of the bovine jugular venous conduit (pressure gradient > 50 mmHg at 4 and 9 years) after surgical operation. Actuarial freedom from reoperation was 90 and 72% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. During the last echocardiographic follow-up phase, all the survivors were in NYHA class I.Conclusions: Double outlet right ventricle with mirror image-dextrocardia is a rare and complicated congenital cardiac malformation. Surgical reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract should be individualized based on the degree of pulmonary stenosis and the specific anatomical features of each patient. Reconstructing the pulmonary artery using the various sizes of valved bovine jugular venous conduit is a safe and effective surgical method.