Traumatic ventricular septal defect in a 4-year-old boy after blunt chest injury / 소아과

Traumatic ventricular septal defect (VSD) resulting from blunt chest injury is a very rare event. The mechanisms of traumatic VSD have been of little concern to dateuntil now, but two dominant theories have been described. In one, the rupture occurs due to acute compression of the heart; in the other, it is due to myocardial infarction of the septum. The clinical symptoms and timing of presentation are variable, so appropriate diagnosis can be difficult or delayed. Closure of traumatic VSD has been based on a combination of heart failure symptoms, hemodynamics, and defect size. Here, we present a case of a 4-year-old boy who presented with a traumatic VSD following a car accident. He showed normal cardiac structure at the time of injury, but after 8 days, his repeated echocardiography revealed a VSD. He was successfully treated by surgical closure of the VSD, and has been doing well up to the present. This report suggests that the clinician should pay great close attention to the patients injured by blunt chest trauma, keeping in mind the possibility of cardiac injury.

Morphologic Characteristics and Relating Factors to the Need of Technical Modification in Transcatheter Closure of Large Atrial Septal Defect (> or =25 mm)

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The rigid coupling between the delivery wire and the right atrial disk has been occasionally encountered during transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect (ASD). Therefore the device frequently makes a perpendicular angle, and the leading edge of left atrial disk slips through the defect and prolapses into right atrium (RA) before it is properly placed in the septum. The purpose of this study is to investigate relating factors to the need of technical modification in transcatheter closure of large ASD and to evaluate relevant morphologic characteristics of atrial septal rim in this situation. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: From July, 2003 to May, 2007, 312 patients underwent transcatheter occlusion of ASD with Amplatzer Septal Occluder(R) (ASO, AGA medical corporation, Golden Valley, MN, USA) at Yonsei Cardiovascular Center and among them 109 patients had large ASD (> or =25 mm) and these patients were enrolled in our study. Patients were divided into two groups according to the deploying methods of the device (Group I: standard method, Group II: modified methods). Assessments of the defects and its surrounding rims were made by echocardiography. RESULTS: There were no differences between 2 groups in age, body weight and height except for balloon-stretched diameter (stop-flow technique) and device size. Group II patients with modified methods showed larger balloon-stretched diameter and device size than group I patients with standard method. The mean length of anterosuperior (AS) rim in group II was significantly shorter than group I (p<0.05). As the size of the device used in procedure increased, there was a trend towards increase in the need of modified methods. CONCLUSION: This study shows that AS rim deficiency and the size of ASD may be the relating factors to the need of technical modification in transcatheter closure of ASD. Therefore, when the initial try with standard method is not successful in large ASD with deficient AS rim, we suggest that changing strategy of implantation may save time and efforts and possibly reduce the risk of complications associated with prolonged procedure.

Clinical outcome of transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus in small children weighing 10 kg or less / 소아과

PURPOSE: Transcatheter closure has become an effective therapy in most patients with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). However, there are difficulties in transcatheter closure of PDA in small children. We reviewed clinical outcomes of transcatheter closure of PDA in children weighing less than 10 kg in a single center. METHODS: Between January 2003 and December 2009, 314 patients with PDA underwent transcatheter closure in our institute. Among them, 115 weighed less than 10 kg. All of these patients underwent transcatheter closure of PDA using either COOK Detachable Coil(R), PFM Nit-Occlud(R), or Amplatzer duct occluder(R). A retrospective review of the treatment results and complications was performed. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 9.1+/-5.9 months (median, 8 months), and mean weight was 7.6+/-1.8 kg (median, 7.8 kg). The mean diameter of PDA was 3.2+/-1.4 mm (median, 3 mm). Complete occlusion occurred in 113 patients (98%). One patient was sent to surgery because of a failed attempt at device closure, and another patient had a small residual shunt after device placement. The average mean length of hospital stay was 3.0+/-3.3 days, and mean follow-up duration was 21.0+/-19.6 months. There were no major complications in any of the patients. CONCLUSION: Transcatheter closure of PDA is considered safe and efficacious in infants weighing less than 10 kg. With sufficient experience and further effort, transcatheter closure of PDA can be accepted as the gold standard of treatment for this group of patients.

The efficacy and safety of transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect with Amplatzer septal occluder in young children less than 3 years of age / 소아과

PURPOSE: Applicability of transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect (ASD) has been expanded by accumulation of clinical experiences and evolutions of the device. This study was performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of transcatheter closure of ASD with Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO) in young children less than 3 years of age. METHODS: From May 2003 to December 2005, 295 patients underwent transcatheter closure of ASD with ASO in the Severance Cardiovascular Hospital, Yonsei University Health System. Among them, 51 patients less than 3 years of age were enrolled in this study. We investigated procedural success rate, rate of residual shunt, frequency of complications, procedure/fluoroscopy time, and need of modified techniques for device implantation. RESULTS: The median age was 2.1 years and median body weight was 12 kg. Implantation of device was successful in 50 patients (98%). Seven patients (15%) showed a small residual shunt 1 day after the procedure, but complete occlusion had been documented at 6 month follow-up in all patients (100%). The pulmonary to systemic flow ratio (Qp/Qs), peak systolic pulmonary artery pressure, and peak systolic right ventricular pressure had decreased significantly after closure of ASD. There were 2 complications including device embolization (1, 2%) and temporary groin hematoma (1, 2%). CONCLUSION: Transcatheter closure of ASD with ASO can be performed with satisfactory results and acceptable risk even in young children less than 3 years of age. We could suggest that even in very young children with ASD, there is no need to wait until they grow to a sufficient size for the transcatheter closure.

A new strategy for transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus with recent-generation devices / 소아과

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of recent-generation patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure devices applied by a new selection strategy according to the characteristics of each PDA. METHODS: From February 2003 to January 2006, 138 patients underwent transcatheter closure of PDA (study group). According to the size and morphology of each ductus, a COOK Detachable Coil or "flex" PFM Nit-Occlud was used for a small ductus (group 1, n=43); "medium" PFM Nit-Occlud (group 2, n=49) for a moderate ductus; and an Amplatzer Duct Occluder (group 3, n=46) for a large ductus. The 83 patients who underwent transcatheter closure of PDA from February 2000 to January 2003 were defined as the comparison group. The Qp/Qs ratio, pulmonary/aorta pressure ratio, and MD of the ductus were compared. Immediate and follow-up results including residual shunts and complications were also evaluated and compared among groups. RESULTS: In all 138 patients, complete occlusions were confirmed without major complications, while procedure failure (n=2, 2.2%), device embolization (n=1, 1.1%), and persistent residual shunt (n=4, 4.5%) were documented in the comparison group. Total complication rates were lower in the study group than in the comparison group (study group, 1.4%; comparison group, 9.0%; P<0.05). CONCLUSION: A novel strategy adopting the merits of various recent-generation devices for transcatheter closure of PDA provides excellent clinical results with minimal risk.

Late aortic root dilatation and aortic regurgitation in repaired tetralogy of fallot / 소아과

PURPOSE: Aortic valve or aortic root (AoRo) replacement is occasionally required because of AoRo dilatation and aortic regurgitation (AR) in repaired tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). We evaluated AoRo size and possible factors associated with its hemodynamic nature in patients with repaired TOF. METHODS: We investigated 130 repaired TOF patients more than 15 years of age who followed-up by echocardiography from January 2002 to December 2003. Of 130 patients, we identified 17 patients with AoRo dilatation, which was defined as ratio of expected AoRo size by standard nomogram (AoRo ratio) >1.5 (dilator group), and 113 TOF controls, with AoRo ratio <1.5 (non-dilator group). RESULTS: Mean indexed AoRo size (mm/m2) in the first echo was 24+/-3.2 in the dilator group and 18+/-3.4 in the non-dilator group (P<0.0001). AoRo rate of change (mm/year) from the first to latest echo study was 1.6+/-3.8 in dilator group and 0.05+/-1.6 in the non dilator group (P=0.0021). Patients from the dilator group showed a higher prevalence of pulmonary atresia (P=0.031) and a history of aortopulmonary shunt before repair (P=0.048), moderate to severe AR (P=0.0065), and increased left ventricular end-diastolic dimensions (P=0.003). Conclusions:A subset of patients late after TOF repair may show progressive dilatation of AoRo. To identify and prevent long-term sequelae in this patient group, regular follow-up and speculation about AoRo after TOF repair is recommended.

Comparison of defect size measured by transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography with balloon occlusive diameter measured during transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect / 소아과

PURPOSE: Accurate measurement of defect size is important in transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect (ASD). We performed this study to analyze the difference between the measured ASD size and balloon occlusive diameter (BOD) by transthoracic (TTE) or transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). METHODS: We investigated 78 patients who underwent transcatheter closure of ASD. The defect size and the distance between the surrounding structures were measured by TTE and TEE. The BOD was measured by TEE during cardiac catheterization. Clinical characteristics and echocardiographic data were compared and analyzed. RESULTS: The difference between BOD and diameter by TTE was 4.8+/-3.6 mm on short axis view, 5.4+/-3.2 mm on long axis view. The difference between BOD and diameter by TEE was 3.6+/-2.2 mm on short axis view, 4.2+/-3.1 mm on long axis view. The difference between BOD and the diameter of defects on TTE, TEE had statistically significant positive correlations with the age of the patients, distance between the, defect and posterior atrial septal wall, the distance between the defect and the mitral valve leaflet, and the diameter of defects and the length of the atrial septum on TTE (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: BOD of ASD can be estimated by the diameter on TTE and TEE. BOD is expected to measure larger, depending on the size of defects, the distance from surrounding structures and the location of defects on echocardiography. Our data offers important information on details of transcatheter ASD closure which can be helpful in predicting suitability and judging the procedural appropriateness during the procedure.

The Relationship of Pulmonary Regurgitation and Exercise Performance after Repair of Tetralogy of Fallot

PURPOSE: We investigated the relationship between severity of pulmonary regurgitation (PR), exercise capacity, right ventricular (RV) volume overload and RV function in the patients with long-term follow-up after repair of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). METHODS: To evaluate exercise capacity, cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPX) was performed in 26 patients and 18 normal controls on a treadmill, and maximal oxygen consumption (VO(2max)) and anaerobic threshold (AT) were compared among the two groups. To assess severity of PR, RV volume and function, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study was performed in the patient group and the PR fraction (%), RV end-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV) and ejection fraction(EF) were measured. Patient group was divided into two subgroups by age and influences of PR on RV volume and function were compared among these subgroups. RESULTS: VO(2max) and AT were significantly decreased in the patients in comparison to the control subjects (28.9+/-10.4 vs 38.1+/-9.9 ml/kg/min, P=0.01; 0.98+/-0.53 vs 1.44+/-0.59 l/min, P=0.03). PR fraction inversely correlated with the VO(2max) (r=-0.58, P<0.01) and had a tendency toward inverse correlation with AT (r=-0.35, P=0.15). In young age group less than 15 years, no significant correlation between RVEDV, RVESV, corrected QRS duration (cQRS) and PR fraction (r=0.48, P=0.19; r=0.45, P=0.22; r=0.12, P=0.76) was observed, but in old age group, RV volume (RVEDV: r=0.73, P=0.01; RVESV: r=0.61, P=0.04) and the cQRS (r=0.66, P=0.03) were increased according to the severity of PR. RVEDV and RVESV showed inverse correlations with RVEF (r-0.59, P=0.003; r= -0.78, P<0.001), and RVEF showed positive correlation with VO(2max) (r=0.62, P=0.04). CONCLUSION: Patients in long-term follow-up after repair of TOF showed impaired exercise capacity than normal subjects. PR has a negative influence on the exercise tolerance in this group of patients, and the deleterious effects of PR on RV volume and QRS prolongation may related with the age and/or duration of PR. RV volume overload may deteriorate RV function and cause resultant exercise impairment.

Initial Experience with Large Jostent in the Treatment of Pulmonary Artery Stenosis with Congenital Heart Disease: Comparison of Clinical Results with Palmaz Stent

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of Jostent (peripheral, large; JS) in the treatment of pulmonary artery stenosis with congenital heart disease (CHD) and report our initial experience with JS. METHODS: Seventy four large-sized stents in 70 patients with CHD were implanted from June 1996 to July 2004. Thirty eight Palmaz stent (large; PS) in 36 patients (PS group) and 36 JS in 34 patients (JS group) were used. Immediate and follow-up results were compared. RESULTS: All stent placements were successful except 1 procedure with long PS (P308) due to acute angle of passage to the lesion. In both groups, stenosis diameters increased (PS group; 4.1+/-1.3 to 10.3+/-2.0 mm, JS group; 4.2+/-1.9 to 9.9+/-2.9 mm), pressure gradients decreased (PS group; 23.7+/-13.9 to 2.6+/-4.5 mmHg, JS group; 23.8+/-20.8 to 2.6+/-4.5 mmHg) and perfusions to the affected lung improved significantly (PS group; 20.2+/-9.7 to 38.5+/-9.7%, JS group; 16.6+/-8.5 to 36.4+/-10.2%). Redilatation of the implanted stents were feasible and effective except 3 stents in PS group and 1 stent in JS group. There was no significant stenosis or thrombus formation caused by the protruded stents, but failure to get access into the stent for redilatation due to protruded stent orifice was occurred in 1 patient. No significant stent recoil or distortion was observed. CONCLUSION: The efficacy and safety of JS in the treatment of pulmonary artery stenosis with CHD is comparable with those of PS. The smooth tip design and flexibility of JS enhances feasibility of the procedure.

A Case of Multiple Giant Coronary Aneurysms with Large Mural Thrombus due to Kawasaki Disease in a Young Infant / 소아과

Kawasaki disease is an acute systemic vasculitis of unknown origin. Giant coronary aneurysm is one of the most serious complications, although peripheral artery vasculitis can produce life-threatening events. Myocardial ischemia and infarction can be caused by coronary artery stenosis, aneurysm, and stagnation of blood flow in coronary arteries which triggers thromboembolism. Atypical presentation in young infants often interferes with prompt diagnosis and timely treatment, resulting in poor outcomes. We describe a 3-month-old infant with multiple giant coronary aneurysms with flow stagnation, stenosis and large mural thrombus due to Kawasaki disease. He presented with a prolonged course of severe coronary involvement in spite of all measures to reduce coronary complications. Finally, surgical intervention was tried because of the worsening coronary artery abnormalities. The patient died of acute cardiorespiratory failure shortly after weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass.

Statistical Analysis of 1,000 Cases of Kawasaki Disease Patients Diagnosed at a Single Institute / 소아과

PURPOSE: To find the risk factors associated with coronory artery lesions, non-responsiveness to intravenous immunoglobulin(IVIG) treatment, and recurrences in Kawasaki disease patients. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 1,000 Kawasaki disease patients who were admitted to Yonsei University Medical Center from September 1990 to December 2003. We compared between responder and non-responder groups to IVIG treatment as well as between relapsed and non-relapsed groups, and as to the relapsed group, we also compared variables between patients in their first and second attack states. Finally, factors associated with longer-fever duration from disease onset were evaluated. RESULTS: Longer fever durations before and after IVIG treatment, male sex, lower Hgb and Hct level, higher WBC count and segmented WBC proportion, and higher CRP and Harada's score were related with coronary artery lesions. Non-responsiveness was related to higher WBC count, segmented WBC proportion, CRP, SGPT, Harada's score, and pyuria. Moderate-to-severe coronary artery dilatations and recurrences were more commonly seen among the non-responder group. No significant predictive factors for recurrence were found. In the relapsed group, lower WBC count, CRP, and shorter fever duration from disease onset were observed in their second attack state. Fever duration from disease onset showed positive correlation with WBC count, CRP, and Harada's score and negative correlation with Hgb levels. CONCLUSION: Higher WBC count, CRP, and higher Harada's score were related to both higher incidences of coronary artery lesions and non-responsiveness to IVIG treatment, and these factors were also related with longer fever duration. Non-responders to IVIG treatment showed higher recurrence rate and more moderate-to-severe coronary artery dilatations than responders.

Impact of Device Evolution in Transcatheter Closure of Patent Ductus Arteriosus Using Duct-Occlud Coils: Comparison of Mid-term Results / 소아과

PURPOSE: We reviewed the therapeutic results of various Duct-Occlud coils(pfm AG, Koln, Germany) to evaluate the efficacy of the most-recently modified Duct-Occlud coil(Nit-Occlud) in the transcatheter closure of patent ductus arteriosus(PDA), including large defects more than 4 mm in diameter. METHODS: Two hundred and five patients who underwent percutaneous PDA occlusion using Duct- Occlud devices from March 1996 to December 2003 were enrolled and four types of Duct-Occlud [Standard(S), Reinforced(R), Reinforced reverse cone(RR) and Nit-Occlud(N)] were used in this study. The patients were followed up by echocardiogram and physical examination before discharge, one month, six months and 12 months after the procedure. RESULTS: The rate of residual shunt according to the type of Duct-Occlud were as follows: S-54%, R-72%, RR-50%, N-14%(P4 mm). CONCLUSION: The transcatheter closure of PDA using Duct-Occlud was an effective treatment and our study revealed that a Nit-Occlud coil which showed higher rate of occlusion even in PDA with large diameters over than 4 mm, was a more effective modality compared to previous devices.

Giant Coronary Aneurysm with Stenosis and Thrombus Formation due to Kawasaki Disease: Treatment with Graft Stent

Kawasaki disease is an acute systemic vasculitis of unknown origin. Coronary aneurysm or ectasia is one of the most serious complications of Kawasaki disease. The major complication of Kawasaki coronary disease is myocardial infarction caused by thrombus formation inside the aneurysm or by organic obstructive lesion following the regression of aneurysm. Percutaneous balloon angioplasty, rotational ablation, directional coronary artherectomy, stent insertion and coronary artery bypass graft can be used to treat coronary artery stenosis or occlusion. We describe a 6-year old boy who had an episode of Kawasaki disease with giant coronary artery aneurysm diagnosed at the age of 3 years. Surveillance echocardiogram showed giant coronary aneurysm with stenosis and large mural thrombus in the proximal portion of left main coronary artery. So we inserted two polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE) covered graft stent without complication.

Mid-term Result of the Transcatheter Occlusion of Patent Ductus Arteriosus with Duct-Occlud Device and Procedure-Related Problems / 소아과

PURPOSE: We will present our mid-term result of transcatheter closure of PDA with Duct-Occlud device(pfm. AG. Germany) after 12 months follow up and report the problems during the procedure. METHODS: In total 154 patients, the Duct-Occlud devices were inserted in our institute from March, 1996 to August, 2002. Three types of Duct-Occlud device, i.e standard, reinforced, reinforced reverse cone coil were used. Echocardiographic examination was performed at 1, 6, 12 months after procedure. RESULTS: The echocardiographic closure rate was 96% after 12 months. The rates of residual shunt in the standard coil, the reverse cone coil, and the reinforced reverse cone group were 8%, 4% and 3% respectively. In PDA with diameter less than 4 mm, the closure rate was up to 98% while in large PDA with more than 4 mm, it was 72% after 12 months. Embolization of the inserted coils had occurred in 5 cases with successful retrieval using snare catheter. The rupture of the core wire during the procedure and distortion of the original coil shape had occurred in 4 cases. CONCLUSION: The transcatheter occlusion with Duct Occlud is safe and effective method for small to moderate sized PDA less than 4 mm. The minimum diameter of the PDA seems to be the predictor of residual shunt. Further refinement of the device to overcome the procedure-related problems seems to be needed.

A Clinical Study of Infective Endocarditis in Childhood / 소아과

PURPOSE: Advances in the treatment of congenital heart disease and a decline in the incidence of rheumatic fever has led to changes in the causative organisms and the clinical outcome of infective endocarditis(IE). We sought to analyze the clinical outcome, prognostic factors, causative organisms and corresponding antibiotic sensitivity in IE. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of medical records of 104 children diagnosed and treated with IE at Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine from January 1986 to June 2003 was undertaken. According to the Duke criteria, 55 patients were classified into the definite group(DG) and possible group(PG). RESULTS: Thirty one cases(56.4%) fulfilled the criteria for the definite group in the Duke criteria, whereas 24 cases(43.6%) fulfilled the criteria for the possible group. The most common chief complaint on admission was fever(93%). The most common infecting organism was Staphylococcus aureus, which was found in 14 cases(48.3%). Three cases(21.4%) of this organism were methicillin- resistant S. aureus(MRSA). Other causative organisms were alpha-streptococcus(seven cases, 24.1%), Staphylococcus epidermidis(three cases, 10.3%), Citrobacter freundii(one case, 3.8%), Enterococcus faecium(one case, 3.4%) and Candida albicans(three cases, 10.3%). Penicillin-resistant organisms were found in 90.5%(19/21) of total cases and the most sensitive antibiotics were vancomycin(13/13, 100 %) and teicoplanin(12/12, 100%). One case of IE due to MRSA unresponsive to vancomycin was treated with Arbekacin. CONCLUSION: The incidence of IE caused by S. aureus, especially MRSA, is increasing. Multi-drug resistant organisms are also emerging as a frequent cause of IE. Thus, in patients strongly suspected of having IE in patients with underlying heart disease, glycopeptides such as vancomycin combined with aminoglycosides should be considered, and if fever and positive blood cultures continue despite treatment with glycopeptides, a consideration of the use of new antibiotics may improve the treatment results.

Characteristics of Pulmonary Atresia and Ventricular Septal Defect According to Morphologic Classification and Changes of Pulmonary Artery after Modified B-T Shunt / 소아과

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to help determine the optimal time and method for operation of pulmonary atresia(PA) with ventricular septal defect(VSD). METHODS: Seventy patients who were diagnosed as PA with VSD in the Pediatric Department of Cardiology, Severance Hospital between May, 1991 and April, 1995, were included in our study. Subjects were divided into two groups depending on the presence of major aorto-pulmonary collateral arteries(MAPCAs). In patients with MAPCAs, the distribution of MAPCAs concerning its relationship with central PA were analyzed, while in patients without them, morphologic changes of PA after performing conventional modified Blalock-Taussig(B-T) shunt were studied. RESULTS: After performing modified B-T shunts, the number of cases of PA stenosis and interruption increased from 26 to 37. Fifteen cases of advanced stenosis and six cases of interrupted PA were also observed. After performing modified B-T shunt, CSAI of both PA was increased from 197+/-101 to 311+/-138, more remarkably in cases without progression of PA stenosis. Among the patients with MAPCAs, 12 cases showed PDA, while 16 cases showed confluent PA. On average, MAPCAs were present in 2.5 cases. Concerning the types of MAPCAs, 14 cases were unifocal, while 36 cases were multifocal and most of them originated from descending aorta. CONCLUSION: In cases where pulmonary flow is maintained by PDA, stenosis of central PA is common, and can result in retarded pulmonary arterial development or increased stricture after modified B-T shunt, so careful attention is needed during follow-up. In cases with dominant MAPCAs, confluent PA is common, and multifocal pulmonary supply renders surgery difficult, so careful analysis of pulmonary supplies to each pulmonary segments, their shapes and relationships, are indicated preoperatively.

The Natural Course and Size Change of Atrial Septal Defect Secundum

PURPOSE: This study was performed to follow the natural course and size change of isolated atrial septal defect(ASD) secundum. METHODS: Among the newly diagnosed with ASD secundum at the division of pediatric cardiology in Yonsei cardiovascular hospital from January 1996 to December 2000, 89 patients with pure ASD secundum were checked by the serial echocardiographic evaluation to measure the size change. RESULTS: There was a statistical difference(P8 mm) and the group of smaller defect (< or = 8 mm). There was also a statistical difference(P<0.05) in the rate of spontaneous closure and size change of the defect between the group of younger than three years of age and the group of older than three years of age. The initial size of the defect and change of size were the significant influencing factors in the rate of spontaneous closing of ASD. In the group of patients who have persistent ASD, the size of defect showed a tendency of increasing size of defect with the age(P<0.005); however in the correction of these values by the body surface area of each patients, there was no statistical difference. CONCLUSION: The possibility of spontaneous closure of pure ASD secundum was higher in the group of patients who have smaller defect and who were younger. The ASD secundum that did not have spontaneous closure showed an increase in size with the growth of the patients; however when this size was corrected by the body surface area, there was no statistical difference. The closure of the defect was at 26.2 months of age so close follow-up of the patients is important.

Natural Course of Secundum Atrial Septal Defect Diagnosed within 3 Months after Birth

No Abstract available.

Comparison of Infundibular Septal Malalignment in Isolated Ventricular Septal Defect and inTetralogy of Fallot and Relationship between the Degree of Infundibular Septal Malalignment and the Peak Velocity of the Right Ventricular Outflow Tract

No Abstract available.

Postoperative Progress and Influencing Factors in Patients after Rastelli Procedure

PURPOSE: We have performed an analysis on patients who received Rastelli operation in our institute and reviewed their progress postoperatively. Various factors with suspected relationship to the outcome have been considered to help in future treatment and follow-up. METHODS: We analyzed retrospectively 43 patients who either received Rastelli operation in Yonsei University Cardiovascular Center from March 1995 to April 1997 or who received post-procedural cardiac catheterization and follow-up echocardiography in the out-patient department after the procedure. RESULTS: No statistically valid relationships were found between the age of the patient, their body weight, preoperative pulmonary arterial index and pressure, presence of pulmonary branchial stenosis and postoperative results. Cases with atrioventricular concordance showed lower age and body weight, and discordant cases exhibited lower ejection fraction 3 days postoperatively. Upon follow up, lower NYHA score was seen in patients with severe residual stenosis. In the group that received cardiac catheterization after the procedure, residual stenosis and right ventricular pressure measurement in echocardiography showed good correlation with the catheterization data. CONCLUSION: In cases where conduit insertions of the right ventricular outflow tract are required to achieve total correction in complex cardiac deformity, early operation does not seem to provide a clear risk to the patient. In patients with atrioventricular discordance, careful postoperative observation of the ventricular function seems to be needed. Also, echocardiography appears to be a sound method in follow-up of patients after the correctional procedure.