Dongngan T. Truong

Tricuspid Regurgitation in Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome Mechanistic Insights From 3-Dimensional Echocardiography and Relationship With Outcomes

Background—Our purpose was to test the following hypotheses: (1) patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome who develop significant tricuspid regurgitation (TR) or require tricuspid valve (TV) surgery in the medium term have detectable TV abnormalities by 3-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) prestage 1 palliation and (2) TR is associated with reduced survival and increased TV intervention. Methods and Results—Infants were prospectively studied with 3DE and 2DE prestage 1 and followed up for the end points of TR, TV surgery, transplantation, or death. From prestage 1 3DE, spatial coordinates of TV annulus and leaflets were extracted; annulus size, leaflet area, prolapse volume, tethering volume, bending angle, and papillary muscle angle were measured. TR was assessed prestage 1 and at latest follow-up. Of 70 patients, 62 (88.6%) had mild or less TR and 8 (11.4%) had moderate or greater TR prestage 1. Prestage 1 tethering volume correlated to leaflet area (r=0.736; P<0.001), annulus area (r=0.651; P<0.001), right ventricular end-diastolic area (r=0.347; P=0.003), fractional area change (r=−0.387; P<0.001), and TR grade (r=0.447; P<0.001). At follow-up, 46 (65.7%) had mild or less TR (group A) and 24 (34.3%) had moderate or greater TR (group B). Prestage 1 3DE showed greater TV tethering volume and flatter annulus in group B. Survival was better in group A. Conclusions—Increased TV tethering volume and flatter bending angle prestage 1 palliation is associated with TV failure at medium-term follow-up. Increased prestage 1 tethering is related to having larger TV annulus, larger leaflet area, larger right ventricular size, and reduced systolic function. TR progression results in increased TV intervention and decreased survival.Background— Our purpose was to test the following hypotheses: (1) patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome who develop significant tricuspid regurgitation (TR) or require tricuspid valve (TV) surgery in the medium term have detectable TV abnormalities by 3-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) prestage 1 palliation and (2) TR is associated with reduced survival and increased TV intervention. Methods and Results— Infants were prospectively studied with 3DE and 2DE prestage 1 and followed up for the end points of TR, TV surgery, transplantation, or death. From prestage 1 3DE, spatial coordinates of TV annulus and leaflets were extracted; annulus size, leaflet area, prolapse volume, tethering volume, bending angle, and papillary muscle angle were measured. TR was assessed prestage 1 and at latest follow-up. Of 70 patients, 62 (88.6%) had mild or less TR and 8 (11.4%) had moderate or greater TR prestage 1. Prestage 1 tethering volume correlated to leaflet area ( r =0.736; P <0.001), annulus area ( r =0.651; P <0.001), right ventricular end-diastolic area ( r =0.347; P =0.003), fractional area change ( r =−0.387; P <0.001), and TR grade ( r =0.447; P <0.001). At follow-up, 46 (65.7%) had mild or less TR (group A) and 24 (34.3%) had moderate or greater TR (group B). Prestage 1 3DE showed greater TV tethering volume and flatter annulus in group B. Survival was better in group A. Conclusions— Increased TV tethering volume and flatter bending angle prestage 1 palliation is associated with TV failure at medium-term follow-up. Increased prestage 1 tethering is related to having larger TV annulus, larger leaflet area, larger right ventricular size, and reduced systolic function. TR progression results in increased TV intervention and decreased survival.

Tricuspid Regurgitation In Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome: Mechanistic Insights On Tricuspid Valve Tethering And Relationship With Outcomes

Background—Our purpose was to test the following hypotheses: (1) patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome who develop significant tricuspid regurgitation (TR) or require tricuspid valve (TV) surgery in the medium term have detectable TV abnormalities by 3-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) prestage 1 palliation and (2) TR is associated with reduced survival and increased TV intervention. Methods and Results—Infants were prospectively studied with 3DE and 2DE prestage 1 and followed up for the end points of TR, TV surgery, transplantation, or death. From prestage 1 3DE, spatial coordinates of TV annulus and leaflets were extracted; annulus size, leaflet area, prolapse volume, tethering volume, bending angle, and papillary muscle angle were measured. TR was assessed prestage 1 and at latest follow-up. Of 70 patients, 62 (88.6%) had mild or less TR and 8 (11.4%) had moderate or greater TR prestage 1. Prestage 1 tethering volume correlated to leaflet area (r=0.736; P<0.001), annulus area (r=0.651; P<0.001), right ventricular end-diastolic area (r=0.347; P=0.003), fractional area change (r=−0.387; P<0.001), and TR grade (r=0.447; P<0.001). At follow-up, 46 (65.7%) had mild or less TR (group A) and 24 (34.3%) had moderate or greater TR (group B). Prestage 1 3DE showed greater TV tethering volume and flatter annulus in group B. Survival was better in group A. Conclusions—Increased TV tethering volume and flatter bending angle prestage 1 palliation is associated with TV failure at medium-term follow-up. Increased prestage 1 tethering is related to having larger TV annulus, larger leaflet area, larger right ventricular size, and reduced systolic function. TR progression results in increased TV intervention and decreased survival.Background— Our purpose was to test the following hypotheses: (1) patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome who develop significant tricuspid regurgitation (TR) or require tricuspid valve (TV) surgery in the medium term have detectable TV abnormalities by 3-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) prestage 1 palliation and (2) TR is associated with reduced survival and increased TV intervention. Methods and Results— Infants were prospectively studied with 3DE and 2DE prestage 1 and followed up for the end points of TR, TV surgery, transplantation, or death. From prestage 1 3DE, spatial coordinates of TV annulus and leaflets were extracted; annulus size, leaflet area, prolapse volume, tethering volume, bending angle, and papillary muscle angle were measured. TR was assessed prestage 1 and at latest follow-up. Of 70 patients, 62 (88.6%) had mild or less TR and 8 (11.4%) had moderate or greater TR prestage 1. Prestage 1 tethering volume correlated to leaflet area ( r =0.736; P <0.001), annulus area ( r =0.651; P <0.001), right ventricular end-diastolic area ( r =0.347; P =0.003), fractional area change ( r =−0.387; P <0.001), and TR grade ( r =0.447; P <0.001). At follow-up, 46 (65.7%) had mild or less TR (group A) and 24 (34.3%) had moderate or greater TR (group B). Prestage 1 3DE showed greater TV tethering volume and flatter annulus in group B. Survival was better in group A. Conclusions— Increased TV tethering volume and flatter bending angle prestage 1 palliation is associated with TV failure at medium-term follow-up. Increased prestage 1 tethering is related to having larger TV annulus, larger leaflet area, larger right ventricular size, and reduced systolic function. TR progression results in increased TV intervention and decreased survival.

Tricuspid Valve Adaptation during the First Interstage Period in Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome

Background Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is an important risk factor for morbidity and mortality in hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), yet the evolution of tricuspid valve (TV) dysfunction in HLHS is poorly understood. This study sought to examine changes in TV function in HLHS between the first two stages of surgical palliation and to determine the mechanism of TR at the time of stage two surgery—bidirectional cavopulmonary anastomosis (BCPA). Methods We prospectively investigated 44 infants at two time points—prior to Norwood‐Sano (T1 ‐ median age 5.4 days) and prior to BCPA (T2 ‐ median age 4.7 months) using two‐dimensional (2DE) and three‐dimensional echocardiography (3DE). Right ventricular (RV) size, function and shape was assessed with 2DE. Extracted spatial coordinates from 3DE were used to calculate TV leaflet and annular area, tethering and prolapse volumes, bending angle, and coaptation index. TR was graded qualitatively, and 2D and 3D vena contracta (VC) were measured. Results The cohort from T1 to T2 had increased indexed leaflet and annular area (P < .0001) and tethering volume (P < .0001), with no change in coaptation. Significant TR was present in 14 infants (32%) at T2 and was associated with greater leaflet (P = .02) and annular areas (P = .002) and greater prolapse volume (P = .008), but not tethering volume or reduced coaptation. At latest follow‐up (median 23 months), 13 patients died or required transplantation. Only 3DE VC at T2 was associated with death or transplantation. Conclusions The TV in HLHS adapts to interstage stressors (increased preload and afterload) by increasing leaflet size to maintain adequate leaflet coaptation. Significant TR at T2 was associated with greater leaflet size and prolapse. This may represent TV maladaptation from an excessive response in leaflet expansion to stressors. HighlightsTR at T2 is associated with greater annulus and leaflet area, and greater prolapse volumes.TV tethering and coaptation are not associated with TR.TV leaflets adapt to stressors by increasing leaflet size to maintain coaptation.

Inflammatory Heart Diseases in Children

Inflammatory heart diseases include rheumatic fever, Kawasaki disease, and myocarditis. These conditions all stem from an inflammatory process that may lead to significant cardiac morbidity and mortality. These patients often present initially to the emergency department, and prompt recognition and treatment of these conditions are essential. Rheumatic fever is caused by group A streptococcal (GAS) infections and is diagnosed using the Jones criteria. Rheumatic fever may lead to mitral and/or aortic valve dysfunction. Kawasaki disease is a systemic vasculitis that affects medium-sized arteries. Diagnostic criteria include fever, conjunctivitis, mucositis, extremity changes, rash, and lymphadenopathy. Patients may present with shock related to myocarditis and can develop aneurysms in the coronary arteries with the potential for ischemic heart disease. Treatment consists of immunomodulators and anticoagulation. Myocarditis has numerous causes but is most commonly secondary to a viral illness. Clinical presentation varies widely, but patients may present acutely in cardiogenic shock. Treatment consists of immunomodulators and heart failure medications.

Tricuspid Regurgitation in Hypoplastic Left Heart SyndromeCLINICAL PERSPECTIVE: Mechanistic Insights From 3-Dimensional Echocardiography and Relationship With Outcomes

Background—Our purpose was to test the following hypotheses: (1) patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome who develop significant tricuspid regurgitation (TR) or require tricuspid valve (TV) surgery in the medium term have detectable TV abnormalities by 3-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) prestage 1 palliation and (2) TR is associated with reduced survival and increased TV intervention. Methods and Results—Infants were prospectively studied with 3DE and 2DE prestage 1 and followed up for the end points of TR, TV surgery, transplantation, or death. From prestage 1 3DE, spatial coordinates of TV annulus and leaflets were extracted; annulus size, leaflet area, prolapse volume, tethering volume, bending angle, and papillary muscle angle were measured. TR was assessed prestage 1 and at latest follow-up. Of 70 patients, 62 (88.6%) had mild or less TR and 8 (11.4%) had moderate or greater TR prestage 1. Prestage 1 tethering volume correlated to leaflet area (r=0.736; P<0.001), annulus area (r=0.651; P<0.001), right ventricular end-diastolic area (r=0.347; P=0.003), fractional area change (r=−0.387; P<0.001), and TR grade (r=0.447; P<0.001). At follow-up, 46 (65.7%) had mild or less TR (group A) and 24 (34.3%) had moderate or greater TR (group B). Prestage 1 3DE showed greater TV tethering volume and flatter annulus in group B. Survival was better in group A. Conclusions—Increased TV tethering volume and flatter bending angle prestage 1 palliation is associated with TV failure at medium-term follow-up. Increased prestage 1 tethering is related to having larger TV annulus, larger leaflet area, larger right ventricular size, and reduced systolic function. TR progression results in increased TV intervention and decreased survival.Background— Our purpose was to test the following hypotheses: (1) patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome who develop significant tricuspid regurgitation (TR) or require tricuspid valve (TV) surgery in the medium term have detectable TV abnormalities by 3-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) prestage 1 palliation and (2) TR is associated with reduced survival and increased TV intervention. Methods and Results— Infants were prospectively studied with 3DE and 2DE prestage 1 and followed up for the end points of TR, TV surgery, transplantation, or death. From prestage 1 3DE, spatial coordinates of TV annulus and leaflets were extracted; annulus size, leaflet area, prolapse volume, tethering volume, bending angle, and papillary muscle angle were measured. TR was assessed prestage 1 and at latest follow-up. Of 70 patients, 62 (88.6%) had mild or less TR and 8 (11.4%) had moderate or greater TR prestage 1. Prestage 1 tethering volume correlated to leaflet area ( r =0.736; P <0.001), annulus area ( r =0.651; P <0.001), right ventricular end-diastolic area ( r =0.347; P =0.003), fractional area change ( r =−0.387; P <0.001), and TR grade ( r =0.447; P <0.001). At follow-up, 46 (65.7%) had mild or less TR (group A) and 24 (34.3%) had moderate or greater TR (group B). Prestage 1 3DE showed greater TV tethering volume and flatter annulus in group B. Survival was better in group A. Conclusions— Increased TV tethering volume and flatter bending angle prestage 1 palliation is associated with TV failure at medium-term follow-up. Increased prestage 1 tethering is related to having larger TV annulus, larger leaflet area, larger right ventricular size, and reduced systolic function. TR progression results in increased TV intervention and decreased survival.

Tricuspid Regurgitation in Hypoplastic Left Heart SyndromeCLINICAL PERSPECTIVE

Background—Our purpose was to test the following hypotheses: (1) patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome who develop significant tricuspid regurgitation (TR) or require tricuspid valve (TV) surgery in the medium term have detectable TV abnormalities by 3-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) prestage 1 palliation and (2) TR is associated with reduced survival and increased TV intervention. Methods and Results—Infants were prospectively studied with 3DE and 2DE prestage 1 and followed up for the end points of TR, TV surgery, transplantation, or death. From prestage 1 3DE, spatial coordinates of TV annulus and leaflets were extracted; annulus size, leaflet area, prolapse volume, tethering volume, bending angle, and papillary muscle angle were measured. TR was assessed prestage 1 and at latest follow-up. Of 70 patients, 62 (88.6%) had mild or less TR and 8 (11.4%) had moderate or greater TR prestage 1. Prestage 1 tethering volume correlated to leaflet area (r=0.736; P<0.001), annulus area (r=0.651; P<0.001), right ventricular end-diastolic area (r=0.347; P=0.003), fractional area change (r=−0.387; P<0.001), and TR grade (r=0.447; P<0.001). At follow-up, 46 (65.7%) had mild or less TR (group A) and 24 (34.3%) had moderate or greater TR (group B). Prestage 1 3DE showed greater TV tethering volume and flatter annulus in group B. Survival was better in group A. Conclusions—Increased TV tethering volume and flatter bending angle prestage 1 palliation is associated with TV failure at medium-term follow-up. Increased prestage 1 tethering is related to having larger TV annulus, larger leaflet area, larger right ventricular size, and reduced systolic function. TR progression results in increased TV intervention and decreased survival.Background— Our purpose was to test the following hypotheses: (1) patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome who develop significant tricuspid regurgitation (TR) or require tricuspid valve (TV) surgery in the medium term have detectable TV abnormalities by 3-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) prestage 1 palliation and (2) TR is associated with reduced survival and increased TV intervention. Methods and Results— Infants were prospectively studied with 3DE and 2DE prestage 1 and followed up for the end points of TR, TV surgery, transplantation, or death. From prestage 1 3DE, spatial coordinates of TV annulus and leaflets were extracted; annulus size, leaflet area, prolapse volume, tethering volume, bending angle, and papillary muscle angle were measured. TR was assessed prestage 1 and at latest follow-up. Of 70 patients, 62 (88.6%) had mild or less TR and 8 (11.4%) had moderate or greater TR prestage 1. Prestage 1 tethering volume correlated to leaflet area ( r =0.736; P <0.001), annulus area ( r =0.651; P <0.001), right ventricular end-diastolic area ( r =0.347; P =0.003), fractional area change ( r =−0.387; P <0.001), and TR grade ( r =0.447; P <0.001). At follow-up, 46 (65.7%) had mild or less TR (group A) and 24 (34.3%) had moderate or greater TR (group B). Prestage 1 3DE showed greater TV tethering volume and flatter annulus in group B. Survival was better in group A. Conclusions— Increased TV tethering volume and flatter bending angle prestage 1 palliation is associated with TV failure at medium-term follow-up. Increased prestage 1 tethering is related to having larger TV annulus, larger leaflet area, larger right ventricular size, and reduced systolic function. TR progression results in increased TV intervention and decreased survival.

PREDICTORS OF RECURRENT COARCTATION FOLLOWING SURGICAL REPAIR IN CHILDREN

Echocardiography is the mainstay of preoperative arch imaging in children with coarctation of the aorta (CoAo). CoAo can be repaired via lateral thoracotomy or median sternotomy. However, aortic measurements that will preclude surgical repair via thoracotomy or sternotomy are not known. Furthermore