RESUMO
Transcatheter closure of atrial septal defects (ASDs) using nickel titanium Naval Ordnance Laboratory (Nitinol)-containing devices (Amplatzer, AGA Medical, Golden Valley, Minnetosa) is being widely practiced. Controversies still exist regarding the release of nickel from these devices and the allergy and other ill effects of nickel and also the duration of antiplatelet therapy to aid endothelization of the device. OBJECTIVE: To study the nickel levels in patients who underwent ASD closure with platinum-coated Nitinol-containing Amplatzer septal occluder. METHODOLOGY: A prospective study was conducted on 25 patients, between 6 years and 40 years of age who underwent ASD closure with Amplatzer septal occlude sizes ranging from 12 to 36 mm from January 2009 to January 2010. Blood nickel levels were estimated using atomic absorption photometry before and 24 h after the procedure and later at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months postprocedure. A value of <2 mcg/dl was considered to be normal. Statistical analysis was performed by the use of the Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: The blood nickel levels at mean baseline, 24 h, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months postprocedure were 1.05, 1.39, 0.98, 0.79, and 0.74 (mcg/dl), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous ASD closure using Nitinol devices can be carried out safely without any significant ill effects related to nickel release.
RESUMO
Isolated Unilateral hypoplasia or agenesis of a branch of pulmonary artery is very rare. It is usually seen associated with congenital heart diseases such as tetralogy of Fallot, atrial septal defect, coarctation of the aorta, right aortic arch, truncus arteriosus, patent ductus arteriosus and pulmonary atresia. It occurs as a result of lack of embryological development of either the left or right sixth aortic arch and has been found to present itself with various clinical manifestations as during childhood it presents as contralateral pulmonary hypertension and in adults as haemoptysis. Early diagnosis and early surgical indication avoids the evolution of pulmonary hypertension to unfavourble state of more severe and progressive degrees and also prevents the development of pulmonary systemic collateral circulation, which is mainly responsible for subsequent haemoptysis in the adulthood. We hereby, report the case of an infant who presented with features of lower respiratory tract infection and later diagnosed as isolated congenital hypoplasia of left pulmonary artery and hence planned for proper follow-up for early surgery thereby preventing complications in the future.
