Impact of coronavirus disease 2019 on adult patients with congenital heart disease

Background: COVID-19 is responsible for a worldwide pandemic, causing more than 18,000 deaths to date in Portugal. Data already exists regarding the increased risk of adverse events in patients with cardiovascular diseases, however the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients (P) with congenital heart disease (CHD) is still under investigation. Purpose(s): To study the impact of COVID-19 in a adult patients with CHD Methods: Adult patients seen at the CHD outpatient's clinic at a tertiary centre, who became infected with SARS-CoV-2 infection up to December 2021 were included. Assessment of patients' symptoms, need for hospitalization and admission in an intensive care unit was assessed based on medical records. Result(s): We identified seventy-nine patients (pts) with COVID-19 infection. Symptoms were present in 67 (84%). The median age was 44 (15) years, 52% were females. Eight P (10%) had complex cyanotic disease;seven Tetralogy of Fallot;five (6%) transposition of great arteries;eight (10%) right ventricle obstacle;two (3%) atrioventricular canal defect;sixteen (20%) atrial septal defect;nine (11%) ventricular septal defect;eight (10%) aortic coarctation;two (3%) had Eisenmenger syndrome. 49% of P had previous surgery or percutaneous procedure. 63% of P were at New York Heart Association (NYHA) class of I and 30% at NYHA II. Mild symptoms were reported by 56 P (71%). Ten adults (7,9%) experienced moderate symptoms (dyspnea and hypoxia) that led to hospitalization for oxygen therapy, none required mechanical ventilation. One death was reported in an 83-year-old patient with non-corrected interventricular communication and compromised biventricular function. There was a significant association between the gravity of CHD and hospitalizations (p=0.02). Conclusion(s): Our pts had mainly mild to moderate symptoms and did not appear to have a disproportionately negative outcome;the need for hospitalization was more frequent in patients with higher CHD gravity. These findings are in line with the emerging data regarding COVID-19 in CHD P, and may be in part explained by the patient's young age and functional status.

Medications safety for special population case studies: Pediatrics

Medication errors are among the most common medical errors, and studies have shown that the pediatric population is particularly vulnerable. Errors can occur at any stage of the medication process. We tried to build various cases, which highlighted different aspects of drug safety in pediatrics. The case studies focused on vancomycin infusion, supportive treatment in COVID-19-related multisystem inflammatory illness, side effect of antitubercular treatment drugs, management of respiratory failure, low cardiac functioning, acyclovir nephrotoxicity, stress ulcer, cyclophosphamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis in rhabdomyosarcoma, blood pressure after aortic coarctation elective surgery, and use of paracetamol instead of NSAIDs in pediatrics. These cases would be useful in both as a diagnostic tool and as a way of monitoring certain conditions. © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Case of Right Side Infective Endocarditis in Patient with Ventricular Septal Defect

A 25-years old white female was admitted to our emergency department presenting with dyspnea, fever, cough and nausea. Her medical background included a small ventricular septal defect (VSD) (congenital) with a left to right shunt, micropolicistic ovary syndrome, Sars Cov 2 infection on January 2022, history of cutaneous infection after sternal piercing in the last three years. Patient showed onset of fever, headache and nausea since 20 days and had a history of ampicillin and cephalosporin usage for 15 days for comunitary pneumonia. Upon arrival in the emergency room, physical examination revealed temperature 38degreeC, crackles on down right lung fields, regular but tachycardic rhythm, 3/6 holosystolic murmur in the third left intercostal space, also skin redness around the piercing zone. Laboratory test showed increasing of WB (white blood cells), C-reactive protein (CPR) and procalcitonin. Because of worsening of respiratory conditions, CTchest was performed, showing tree in bud sign, with pulmonary pattern suggestive of staphylococcal "emboligenous-like infectious state. According to patient's clinical history and CT results, she was referred to transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) demonstrating the presence, on the right side of the small VSD, of a isoechoic large mass (20x 13 mm) with irregular margins attached to the right ventricular wall near the ostium of the VSD, compatible with vegetation;septal tricuspid valve leaflet involvement could not be ruled out. Methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) was detected six times from blood cultures;therapy with oxacillin 2 gr every 4 hours combined with daptomycin 750 mg daily was started. Cardiac MRI performed after few days, documented the infective involvement of the ventricular and atrial side of the septal leaflet with moderate tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Congenital heart disease (especially Tetralogy of Fallot, bicuspid aortic valve, aortic coarctation, ventricular septal defect) is a lifelong risk factor for infective endocarditis (IE). Size of VSD is generally not correlated with IE that is directly correlated with turbulent flow;tricuspid valve involvement is mostly seen in VSD, often complicated by pulmonary embolism. In this predisposing situation, skin infection of the piercing zone could have caused transient bacteremia which led to the formation of vegetations in the highest turbulence flow zone..

Abstracts from the PICS Society Symposium 2022

The proceedings contain 157 papers. The topics discussed include: comparative study between mitral valve surgery by minimal invasive approach and traditional median sternotomy;innovative techniques used for trouble shootings in transcatheter ventricular septal defect device closure in a 28 days symptomatic neonate - new thoughts;stent in stent to rescue an adolescent with recoarctation;percutaneous treatment of congenital heart diseases in unusual situations;complete heart block (CHB) after percutaneous closure of atrial septal defect (ASD);endovascular treatment of critical coarctation of the aorta (CoA) in newborns and infants;combined percutaneous transcatheter interventions in the same session for patients with multiple congenital cardiovascular defects;transcatheter congenital coronary artery fistula closure in a 1-day-old;provocative testing during cardiac catheterization in Platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome: a case report;catheter closure of patent foramen Ovale using the cocoon Occluder: a multicenter retrospective study;and use of Abiomed Impella for hemodynamic support in MIS-C associated with COVID-19.

Hybrid Management of an Aortobronchial Fistula after Patch Aortoplasty for Aortic Coarctation in a Patient with SARS-CoV-2 Pneumonia: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Aortobronchial fistula is a rare cause of repeated hemoptysis and a potentially fatal condition if left untreated. We present the case of a 40-year-old man with repeated hemoptysis, excessive cough, and epistaxis ongoing for several days after SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia diagnosis. The patient had a history of patch aortoplasty for aortic coarctation and aortic valve replacement with a mechanical valve for aortic insufficiency due to bicuspid aortic valve at the age of 24. Computed tomography scan performed at presentation revealed a severely dilated ascending aorta, a thoracic aorta pseudoaneurysm at the site of the former coarctation, an aortobronchial fistula suggested by the thickened left lower lobe apical segmental bronchus in contact with the pseudoaneurysm and signs of alveolar hemorrhage in the respective segment. The patient was treated with thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR) after prior hemi-aortic arch debranching and transposition of the left common carotid artery and subclavian artery through a closed-chest surgical approach. Our case report together with a systematic review of the literature highlight the importance of both considering an aortobronchial fistula in the differential diagnosis of hemoptysis in patients with prior history of thoracic aorta surgical intervention, regardless of associated pathology, and of taking into account endovascular and hybrid techniques as an alternative to open surgical repair, which carries a high risk of morbidity and mortality.

RARE CASE OF MASSIVE DVT AFTER MRNA COVID-19 VACCINATION IN A PATIENT WITH CONGENITAL IVC ANOMALY

SESSION TITLE: Thrombosis Jamboree: Rare and Unique Cases SESSION TYPE: Rapid Fire Case Reports PRESENTED ON: 10/19/2022 12:45 pm - 1:45 pm INTRODUCTION: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) formation is widely recognized as Virchow's Triad of hypercoagulability, venous stasis, and endothelial injury. Based on this definition, congenital aberrations of the inferior vena cava (IVC) such as atresia or coarctation classify as major risk factors to incite a DVT (1). A congenital IVC anomaly with evidence of post-COVID-19 vaccination hypercoagulability (2) suggests a risk association with thrombotic episodes. We present a case of congenital IVC interruption with development of a DVT nine days after Pfizer COVID-19 booster administration. While it is known that IVC anomalies may contribute to DVT development (1), there is scarce data identifying a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine as a direct source of massive DVT in a young adult. CASE PRESENTATION: A 28 year old male with a history of repaired coarctation of the aorta presented with severe right thigh pain that began days after the Pfizer COVID-19 booster. Four days prior, an outpatient ultrasound (US) was negative for DVT. Physical exam revealed a dusky right foot with good distal pulses. Sensation was intact throughout. The left lower extremity (LE) had no edema or tenderness. An US of the right LE showed a DVT extending from the common femoral vein to the posterior tibial vein and DVT of the greater saphenous and deep femoral vein. Left LE US showed an anterior tibial DVT. Attempted thrombolysis was made with tissue plasminogen activator therapy and thrombectomy. Given the patient's atretic IVC anatomy, some residual clot remained in the common iliac vein, and was treated with anticoagulation therapy. After two extensive surgical lyses and aggressive medical lysis, the DVT's were resolved and the patient slowly improved. Upon follow up, he is feeling much better with no further pain. Ultimately this patient will require lifelong anticoagulation and may require an IVC stent to prevent future thrombotic events. DISCUSSION: Coarctation of the aorta is a common congenital heart defect and is often coupled with additional cardiovascular anomalies (1). In our patient, imaging showed a small and near-occluded IVC, which predisposed him to vasculitic events. There is no literature describing a massive DVT in a young adult patient within days of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. While these thrombotic events are rare (2), this report portrays one case in which the Pfizer COVID-19 mRNA vaccine may have prompted a vascular event in a susceptible patient. CONCLUSIONS: It has been previously established that congenital IVC anomalies may contribute to increased risk of DVT (1). In this case, we observe an association of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine with massive DVT in a young male. While this is not meant to discourage patients with congenital IVC anomalies from receiving the COVID vaccine series, it prompts the need for open discussion with healthcare providers to discuss possible adverse effects. Reference #1: Chee, Y.-L., Culligan, D.J. and Watson, H.G. Inferior vena cava malformation as a risk factor for deep venous thrombosis in the young. British Journal of Haematology. 2001;114:878-880. doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2141.2001.03025.x Reference #2: Bilotta C, Perrone G, Adelfio V, et al. COVID-19 Vaccine-Related Thrombosis: A Systematic Review and Exploratory Analysis. Front Immunol. 2021;12:729251. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2021.729251 Reference #3: Ruggeri M, Tosetto A, Castaman G, Rodeghiero F. Congenital absence of the inferior vena cava: a rare risk factor for idiopathic deep-vein thrombosis. The Lancet. 2001;357(9254):441. doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(00)04010-1 DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Melanie Krongold no disclosure on file for Majed Samarneh;No relevant relationships by Elena Tran No relevant relationships by Lakshmi Sheetala Vijaya

Detrimental Intrauterine Stress Exposure and Post-natal Outcomes in Prenatally Diagnosed Congenital Heart Disease

Background: Prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD) is a stressful event that leads to anxiety, depression and traumatic stress in expectant parents. Cortisol is elevated in times of stress, and when present in mothers, crosses the placenta and leads to suppression of the fetus' own production of cortisol. When those neonates go on to require stressful procedures in the first months of life, some are unable to effectively mount a cortisol mediated stress response which can lead to poor outcomes and even death. We sought to investigate the relationship between maternal stress during pregnancy, and neonatal outcomes. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of pregnancies complicated by a fetal diagnosis of critical CHD (including transposition of the great arteries, tetralogy of Fallot, total anomalous pulmonary venous return, and coarctation) who were born between 5/1/2019 and 5/1/2021. Maternal data included demographics and medical comorbidities. Composite maternal prenatal stress score (PSS) was calculated based upon 1) prenatal mental health diagnoses, 2) housing/food insecurity 3) income insecurity, 4) social support/child care, 5) legal involvement, 6) transportation issues and 7) other stressors. Categories ranged from 0 (no concerns) to 3 (significant concerns). Infant charts were reviewed for postnatal, and post-operative outcomes including infection, inotropic support, and exogenous steroid treatment. Results: 41 maternal-fetal dyads met inclusion criteria. Demographic and catheter based intervention at a median of 8 (2-54) days of life. 13 patients had single ventricle anatomy (8 initial surgical palliation, 5 catheterization). Mothers with higher composite PSS were more likely to have infants that required steroids after CHD surgery compared to mothers with lower scores (p=.01) (figure 1). Surgical patients needing bypass were more likely to require post-operative steroids than those not requiring bypass (18/22 vs 0/4, p<.005). None of the catheter-based interventions (including those with high risk single ventricle anatomy) required steroids (p <.0001). Maternal individual stress sub-categories, severity of prenatal CHD diagnosis, and counseling during the COVID-19 era did not correlate with steroid treatment. Finally, PSS did not correlate with individual outcomes such as birthweight, inotropic support, infection or hypoglycemia. Conclusion: Maternal prenatal stress is multifactorial and higher composite maternal prenatal stress scores are correlated with post-bypass steroid requirements, suggesting that a stressful intrauterine environment can be associated with worse postoperative outcomes for the neonate.

Cerebral Infarction Following Correction of Aortic Coarctation Surgery in Children

Background: Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is a congenital heart defect. Due to the narrowing of the descending aorta, blood flow mainly reduces after the stenosis, and CoA can occur at any region in the thoracic and abdominal aorta. Cardiac surgeons and cardiologists are familiar with postoperative complications of CoA;however, there are also some other complications that have not been reported to date. Case Presentation: The present study investigated three cases of CoA undergoing reconstructive surgery. Nevertheless, a couple of days after the surgery, they manifested symptoms suspected of cerebral infarction. Ischemic infarction was observed after performing brain computed tomography. Additionally, we discuss possible pathophysiology and reasons that can lead to this problem. Conclusions: In this case report, we presented three cases of CoA patients who underwent reconstructive surgery and manifested cerebral infarction as an adverse effect of the reconstructive surgery.

Investigating the clinical characteristics of paediatric COVID-19 in Cape Town, South Africa: Initial results from the University of Cape Town (UCT), Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, COVID-19 paediatric repository

Introduction: Studies show that children account for only 1-5% of diagnosed COVID-19 cases, they have milder disease than adults and deaths are extremely rare. The complete clinical picture of pediatric COVID-19 has not yet been fully reported or defined. Additionally, the South African pediatric population has unique clinical characteristics and risk implications and needs investigating. We aimed to characterize COVID-19 in Cape Town children. Methods: The UCT COVID-19 pediatric repository is a prospective cohort recruited via convenience sampling at 3 Western Cape Hospitals. All patients ≤ 18 years who test COVID-19 positive are eligible for inclusion in the study. Results: To date 227 participants, 56%(125/227) male with median age 2 years (IQR:0-6), have been enrolled. Only 28(12%) participants were in contact with a confirmed COVID-19 positive case, 67% of these, were first degree relatives, 28% second degree relatives and 6% health care workers. Comorbidities were present in 125(56%) participants. Of 32 recorded comorbidities, congenital heart disease (CHD), found in 7% of participants, ranked third. CHD subtypes included PDA (4), Tetralogy of Fallot (3), AVSD (2), Pulmonary atresia with VSD (2), truncus arteriosus (1), Coarctation of the Aorta (1), Congenital aortic valve stenosis (1), and ASD (1). Other cardiac comorbidities were, cardiomyopathy (2), primary pulmonary hypertension (1) and rhabdomyoma (1). On presentation 173 (76%) were symptomatic. Predominant symptoms included cough 40%, history of fever 36%, documented fever 34%, difficulty breathing 28%, and nausea or vomiting 20%. On examination, 65% had abnormal heart rates, 47% abnormal respiratory rates, 35% were in respiratory distress and 24% were hypoxic. Of the 227 patients, 169(74%) were admitted to hospital and 33 (15%) were admitted to ICU. In the ICU 79% of patients required non-invasive and 24% invasive ventilation, median length of ICU admission was 3 days (IQR:2-7.5). During admission 38(17%) patients developed COVID-19 complications: secondary infection 10%, sepsis 4%, MIS-C 2%, and myocarditis or new onset heart failure 1%) and 2(0.9%) died, including one patient with AVSD, who presented with severe pulmonary hypertension and acute heart failure post cardiac surgery. Conclusion: We present the initial findings of the UCT pediatric COVID-19 registry. We anticipate that these data will help to complete the clinical picture of COVID-19 in the South African pediatric population.

A case report of Coarctation of the Aorta in the wake of COVID-19 complicating to brain aneurysm in Tanzania, a diagnostic and management challenge

Background: Coarctation of the Aorta (CoA) is a congenital malformation of the aorta. Asymptomatic refractory hypertension can be its only form of presentation, which usually leads to its late diagnosis and consequent complications. Case presentation: We report a late diagnosis of secondary hypertension due to CoA in a 19-year-old male, which complicated to a tip basilar aneurysm. Our patient was relatively asymptomatic until he presented with severe headache and palpitations in his second decade of life. For over 5 years he was managed as a case of hypertension in peripheral facilities, despite its refractoriness to therapy. When he arrived at a tertiary level facility (Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania) he underwent investigations, which confirmed a diagnosis of (CoA) and basilar aneurysm. He is currently on medical management but with no improvement of the hypertension. He is waiting for a percutaneous interventional therapy, which is not available in the country. The plan is to refer the patient to India. However, he is incapable of paying for himself and the current supporter is undecided on whether to cover the anticipated costs or not. The other option is to secure Government's support. Unfortunately, all these plans are further frustrated by travel restrictions due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Consent to publish this case was obtained from the patient. Conclusion: This interesting case emphasizes on the need for Clinicians at all levels to always bear in mind the possibility of secondary hypertension in all young patients presenting with refractory hypertension, and that a proper cardiovascular examination must be conducted. Additionally, management challenges in the presence of constrained resources and the on-going COVID-19 pandemic have been highlighted.

Impact of COVID-19 in adult patients with congenital heart disease

Background: COVID-19 is responsible for a worldwide pandemic, causing more than 13 000 deaths to date in Portugal. Data already exists regarding the increased risk of adverse events in patients with cardiovascular diseases, however the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients (P) with congenital heart disease (CHD) is still under investigation. Aims: To evaluate the impact of COVID-19 in adult patients with congenital heart disease in our tertiary centre Methods: Adult patients seen at the CHD outpatient's clinic at a tertiary centre, who became infected with SARS-CoV-2 infection up to February 2021 were included. Assessment of patients' symptoms, need for hospitalization and admission in an intensive care unit was assessed based on medical records. Results: We identified 36 patients (pts) with COVID-19 infection. Symptoms were present in 31 (86%). The median age was 39 (32-49) years, 58% were females. Seven P (19%) had complex cyanotic disease;three (8%) Tetralogy of Fallot;three (8%) transposition of great arteries (one after Senning procedure and 2 after arterial switch);six (14%) right ventricle obstacle;two (8%) atrioventricular canal defect;four (11%) atrial septal defect;five (14%) ventricular septal defect;five (14%) aortic coarctation;two aortopathies (one submitted do David procedure);one subaortic stenosis;two (6%) had Eisenmenger syndrome. The majority (61%) of P had previous surgery and 58% were at New York Heart Association class of I. Mild symptoms were reported by 24 P (67%). Seven adults experienced moderate symptoms (dyspnea and hypoxia) that led to hospitalization for oxygen therapy, although none required mechanical ventilation. One death was reported. There was a significant association between the gravity of CHD and hospitalizations (p=0.012). Conclusion: Our pts had mainly mild to moderate symptoms and did not appear to have a disproportionately negative outcome;the need for hospitalization was more frequent in patients with higher CHD gravity. These findings are in line with the emerging data regarding COVID-19 in CHD P, and may be in part explained by the patient's young age and functional status.

Use of VA ECMO and percutaneous palliation of ductal dependent coarctation in a neonate with trisomy 21 and COVID-19 pneumonia.

We present a case of a neonate with trisomy 21, ductal-dependent aortic coarctation, and severe respiratory failure secondary to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia. The neonate was managed with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO), palliative stenting of the coarctation, and a vascular plug occlusion of a large patent ductus arteriosus. The patient was successfully weaned off extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). The patient is currently awaiting a definitive surgical repair in the near future.