Duplication of 10q22.3-q23.3 encompassing BMPR1A and NGR3 associated with congenital heart disease, microcephaly, and mild intellectual disability.

Chromosome region 10q22.3-q23.3 contains several low copy repeats (LCRs) and is prone to recombination. Deletions with breakpoints within LCR3 and LCR4 have been described to be associated with intellectual disability and dysmorphic features, while the reciprocal duplications are rarely reported. We present an additional case with multiple congenital anomalies that include microcephaly, cardiac defect, and mild intellectual disability, in which a de novo interstitial 8.2-Mb duplication of 10q22.3-q23.3, including BMPR1A and NGR3, was identified by Illumina SNP array platform. Our study is consistent with the hypothesis that the BMPR1A is a plausible candidate gene for congenital heart disease (CHD) and should contribute to the diagnosis and treatment of these genomic diseases.

Anomalous origin of the right pulmonary artery from the ascending aorta: results of direct implantation surgical repair in 6 infants.

BACKGROUND: Anomalous origin of the right pulmonary artery from the ascending aorta (AORPA) is a rare and potential fatal kind of congenital heart disease. This study summarizes the techniques and outcomes of 6 infants with AORPA who underwent the surgical repair. METHODS: Between November 2012 and November 2014, 6 infants with AORPA received surgical repair in the Second Xiangya Hospital and were included in the present study. RESULTS: Six infants (4 male, 66.7 %) with a median age of 101.5 ± 70.0 days, and a median body weight of 4.13 ± 0.62 kg underwent the surgical repair at our institute. There were no operative, in-hospital or follow-up deaths. Clinical symptoms of all 6 patients relieved at time of discharge, and mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP) decreased significantly after surgery. During follow-up, there were no further operations or interventions, mild stenosis at the anastomotic site presented in one patient, and all patients were asymptomatic and in stable clinical condition. CONCLUSIONS: The short and mid-term surgical outcomes of AORPA are excellent in this group of operations. Moreover, we believe the direct implantation to be the optimal surgical strategy for the patients with the proximal form of AORPA.

Rare de novo copy number variants in patients with congenital pulmonary atresia.

BACKGROUND: Ongoing studies using genomic microarrays and next-generation sequencing have demonstrated that the genetic contributions to cardiovascular diseases have been significantly ignored in the past. The aim of this study was to identify rare copy number variants in individuals with congenital pulmonary atresia (PA). METHODS AND RESULTS: Based on the hypothesis that rare structural variants encompassing key genes play an important role in heart development in PA patients, we performed high-resolution genome-wide microarrays for copy number variations (CNVs) in 82 PA patient-parent trios and 189 controls with an Illumina SNP array platform. CNVs were identified in 17/82 patients (20.7%), and eight of these CNVs (9.8%) are considered potentially pathogenic. Five de novo CNVs occurred at two known congenital heart disease (CHD) loci (16p13.1 and 22q11.2). Two de novo CNVs that may affect folate and vitamin B12 metabolism were identified for the first time. A de novo 1-Mb deletion at 17p13.2 may represent a rare genomic disorder that involves mild intellectual disability and associated facial features. CONCLUSIONS: Rare CNVs contribute to the pathogenesis of PA (9.8%), suggesting that the causes of PA are heterogeneous and pleiotropic. Together with previous data from animal models, our results might help identify a link between CHD and folate-mediated one-carbon metabolism (FOCM). With the accumulation of high-resolution SNP array data, these previously undescribed rare CNVs may help reveal critical gene(s) in CHD and may provide novel insights about CHD pathogenesis.

Rare copy number variations containing genes involved in RASopathies: deletion of SHOC2 and duplication of PTPN11.

BACKGROUND: RASopathies are a group of disorders related to Noonan syndrome that with dysregulated RAS-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Noonan syndrome (NS, OMIM# 163950) is a both phenotypically and genotypically variable disorder. We and other researchers have demonstrated that copy number variations underlie a small percentage of patients with RASopathies. RESULTS: In a cohort of 12 clinically characterized patients with congenital heart defect (CHD) and features suggestive of Noonan syndrome or Noonan like syndrome without known causative gene mutation, we performed an Illumina SNP-array analysis to identify the pathogenic copy number variations (Human660W-Quad Chip, Beadstation Scanner and GenomeStudio V2011 software). We identifed two rare copy number variations harboring genes involved in RAS- MAPK signaling pathway of RASopathy. One is a 24 Mb duplication of 12q24.1-24.3 containing PTPN11 and the other is a 183 kb deletion of 10q25.2 including SHOC2. The SNP-array results were further validated by quantitative PCR (qPCR). This is might be the first report suggesting that haploinsufficiency of SHOC2 can result in a RASopathy-like phenotype. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide additional support that copy number variations containing disease-causing genes of RAS/MAPK pathway play a minor role in RASopathies or related disorders. We recommend the use of microarrays in Noonan syndrome like patients without identified mutations in the causative genes.

Intraoperative device closure of subaortic ventricular septal defects.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety and the indication for percardiac device closure of subaortic ventricular septal defects (VSDs) under guidance of transesophageal echocardiography. METHODS: A total of 62 patients with VSDs immediately below the aortic valve underwent percardiac device closure without cardiopulmonary bypass. RESULTS: There were no deaths. Of 62 patients, 52 (83.9%) underwent successful closure and 10 (16.1%) were converted to open-heart surgery due to tricuspid regurgitation, aortic regurgitation, and a residual shunt. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed the type and diameter of VSD were associated with the failure of device closure. There were no severe adverse events. Follow-up ranged from 13 to 31 months (mean, 22.3 ± 5.2 months). Early and late complications occurred in 10 patients (19.2%) and two patients (3.8%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Excellent short-term results can be achieved in selected patients with percardiac device closure of subaortic ventricular septal defects.

[Efficacy comparison between micro invasive occlusion procedure and extracorporeal circulation procedure for treating patients with simple ventricular septal defect].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy between micro invasive occlusion procedure and extracorporeal circulation procedure for treating patients with simple ventricular septal defect. METHODS: Two hundred and twenty patients with simple ventricular septal defect (except subarterial ventricular septal defect) were randomly divided into micro invasive group (n = 116) and traditional cardiopulmonary bypass surgery group (n = 104). Clinical data were collected and compared at baseline and at 3, 30 and 180 days after surgery. RESULTS: Age, gender, body weight and ventricular septal defect type were similar between the two groups (all P > 0.05). Operation time and hospitalization duration were significantly shorter in the micro invasive group than the traditional cardiopulmonary bypass surgery group (all P < 0.05). The proportion of blood transfusion was less in micro invasive group than the traditional cardiopulmonary bypass surgery group [2.59% (3/116) vs. 72.12% (75/104), P < 0.01]. Three days after surgery, incidence of mild and above tricuspid insufficiency was less in micro invasive group than the traditional cardiopulmonary bypass surgery group [0.86% (1/116) vs. 2.88% (3/104), P < 0.05]. There was one patient developed mild pericardial effusion at 30 days post surgery in micro invasive group. There was no intracardiac infection in the two groups during follow-up. At 30 and 180 days post surgery, incidence of residual shunt was also less in micro invasive group than the traditional cardiopulmonary bypass surgery group [1.72% (2/116) vs. 7.69 (8/104) and 0(0/116) vs. 7.69(8/104), all P < 0.05]. After surgery for 3, 30 and 180 days, transthoracic echocardiography derived chamber size, left ventricular end-diastolic volume index and left ventricular ejection fraction were similar between the two groups (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy is similar for patients with simple ventricular septal defect (except subarterial ventricular septal defect) using micro invasive occlusion therapy or extracorporeal circulation surgery. Micro invasive occlusion procedure can shorten operation and hospitalization time, and reduce the need for blood transfusion and risk of developing procedural-related tricuspid insufficiency and post-procedural residual shunt.

One-stage correction of aortic coarctation and severe mitral regurgitation via left posteriolateral thoracotomy in a 2-year-old child.

We successfully treated a case of a 2-year-old male with aortic coarctation coexisting with severe mitral regurgitation via left posteriolateral thoracotomy at one stage. After a mitral valve replacement under perfused ventricular fibrillation with moderate hypothermia, we repaired the aortic coarctation with coarctation resection and end-to-end anastamosis with the aid of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and selective low-flow cerebral perfusion. The patient had an uneventful hospital course and remains well.

[Early surgical treatment for infants with large atrial septal defects or ventricular septal defects complicated by pneumonia: experience of 39 cases].

OBJECTIVE: This research reported the experience of early surgical treatment for infants with large atrial septal defects (ASD) or ventricular septal defects (VSD) complicated by pneumonia. METHODS: Between January 2003 and January 2008, 39 infants with large ASD or VSD complicated by pneumonia were admitted to the Second Xiangya Hospital. Thirty-six patients underwent surgical repair within 7-10 days after pneumonia had been controlled. Mean age was 5.4+/-3.4 months and mean weight was 4.7+/-1.6 kg in the 36 patients. Three patients received conservative treatment due to uncontrolled lung infections. RESULTS: Of the 36 patients, 33 had successful surgery and 3 (8.3%) died of serious low cardiac output (n=1) or respiratory failure due to congenital tracheostenosis (n=2). The 33 survivors showed normal growth and development in a 6 month-5 year follow-up. Of the 3 patients receiving conservative treatment, 1 died of cardiopulmonary failure and 2 were discharged after the symptoms had been improved. CONCLUSIONS: With increasing medical experience and technique, early surgical operation may be performed with good outcomes in infants with large ASD or VSD complicated by pneumonia.

[Surgical treatment of partial atrioventricular septal defect].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the experience of surgical treatments of partial atrioventricular septal defect in 60 patients. METHODS: From April 1999 to April 2004, 60 patients of partial atrioventricular septal defect were operated. Fifty-eight patients were performed with suture of the cleft of mitral valve and the other 2 were given mitral valve replacement; For closure of primum ASD, 53 patients with pericardial patches and 7 with Dacron patches. Coronary sinus was baffled to left atrium with kirklin procedure in 35 cases and baffled to right atrium with McGoon procedure in other 25 cases. Correct the accompanying cardiac deformity at the same time. RESULTS: The hospital mortality was 3.3% (2/60) due to low cardic output syndrome. The incidence rate of complete atrioventricular block was 8.00% (2/ 35) in the group with Kirklin procedure and 6.06% (2/25) in the group with McGoon procedure. There was no statistical significance between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). The follow-up was from 1 month to 5 years, and there was no late death. All cardiac function were improved except middle mitral regurgitation in 1 patient. CONCLUSION: Reasonable operative design, refined procedures, avoiding damage to conducting bundles and proper perioperative management are the key points in improving theraeutic effect.

[Diagnosis and surgical treatment of 102 cases of ventricular septal defect with patent ductus arteriosus].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the experience of diagnosis and surgical treatment of ventricular septal defect with patent ductus arteriosus. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 102 cases of ventricular septal defect combined with patent ductus arteriosus who underwent surgical treatment. Preoperative ultrasonic cardiogram (UCG) showed ventricular septal defect combined with patent ductus arteriosus in 82 cases and ventricular septal defect in 20 cases. RESULTS: The hospital mortality was 4.9% (5/102). The reasons for death included low cardiac output syndrome (1 case), pulmonary hypertension crisis (2 cases) and respiratory failure (2 cases). In the remaining patients,the perioperative complications included lung infection (7 cases), pulmonary atelectasis (5 cases), hydrothorax (1 case), and pulmonary hypertension crisis (2 cases); and all the 15 patients recovered lastly. The pulmonary hypertension of all living patients decreased to some degree. The therapeutical effectiveness was satisfactory. CONCLUSION: Ventricular septal defect with patent ductus arteriosus is easy to be confused with ventricular septal defect clinically. At the same time,it is diffcult to form a correct diagnosis in some patients by UCG preoperatively. To prevent the occurrence of perfusive lung, it is important to reinforce preoperative diagnosis and exploration during operation. Because pulmonary hypertension in patients with ventricular septal defect with patent ductus arteriosus emerges early and develops quickly, it tends to result in organic pulmonary hypertension which can make patients lose operation chances and influence the long-term therapeutical effect. Surgical operation should be performed as soon as possible. Optimal operative timing and proper perioperative management play important roles in surgical results.

[A mutation IVS2+1G>A in EXT2 gene causes hereditary multiple exostoses].

OBJECTIVE: To identify the gene causing hereditary multiple exostoses in a Chinese pedigree. METHODS: Linkage analysis was carried out in the family using microsatellite markers on chromosome 8, 11 and 19 respectively. To detect the mutation, the whole coding sequence and the intron-exon boundaries of the candidate gene were amplified and sequenced. The reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to amplify the mutated mRNA. RESULTS: The disease-causing gene of the family was linked to the EXT2 locus on chromosome 11. A mutation IVS2+1G>A was detected in EXT2 and resulting in 221 bp deletion from 316 to 536 of coding sequence(CDS), which was co-segregated with the disease phenotype. This change led to deletion from codon 106 to codon 178 and subsequent 2 nucleotides, producing a frameshift and truncated protein of 125 aa. CONCLUSION: The mutation IVS2+1G>A is the disease-causing mutation in the Chinese pedigree with hereditary multiple exostoses.

[Surgical treatment of infective endocarditis: a report of 41 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To study the characteristics and surgical treatment of infective endocarditis. METHODS: In all patients, surgical treatment was performed including aortic valve replacement in 22, mitral valve replacement in 9, combined aortic and mitral valve replacements in 4, tricuspid valve reconstruction in 3, and pulmonary valve repair in 3. Meanwhile, complicated deformities such as ventricular septal defect (VSD), atrial septal defect (ASD), patient ductus arterisus (PDA), ruptared aneuryem of the aortic sinus and right centricular outflow tract obstruction were corrected. RESULTS: There were 2 early postoperative deaths (an overall hospital mortality of 5%). A follow-up of 3 months to 5 years, with a mean of 3.2 years, documented no recurrent endocarditis and late death. CONCLUSION: Low mortality occurs in the surgical therapy for infective endocarditis. In order to avoid irreversible injury on cardiomyocyte, the operation, which is beneficial to the recovery of heart function, should be performed as early as possible.