Cirugía congénitos

World J Pediatr Congenit Heart Surg. 2025 Jun 26:21501351251345805. doi: 10.1177/21501351251345805. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Cardiac surgery (CS) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) faces unique challenges that go beyond resource scarcity. Historical, cultural, and structural barriers continue to hinder the development of the specialty in SSA, impacting professional accreditation and the organization of healthcare systems. The colonial legacy of the subcontinent has shaped health systems in ways that often sustain external dependency, limiting local autonomy, which is particularly true for a high-resource subspecialty such as CS. Additionally, cultural resistance, the undervaluation of the specialty, and a lack of institutional recognition create a difficult environment for African cardiac surgeons. Based on the recent experience in Angola, this article explores these challenges and highlights the need for context-specific solutions, including strengthening local training, improving hospital governance, and prioritizing CS as a public health necessity. Understanding these obstacles and their potential solutions is crucial to fostering sustainable progress and ensuring equitable access to cardiovascular care in the region and in similar environments.

PMID:40567009 | DOI:10.1177/21501351251345805

World J Pediatr Congenit Heart Surg. 2025 Jun 26:21501351251345787. doi: 10.1177/21501351251345787. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

We report the case of a four-month-old child with complex congenital heart disease, including tricuspid atresia, absent pulmonary valve, hypoplastic right ventricle, right ventricular coronary artery fistula, and Uhl anomaly, and to describe the challenges and management decisions involved. A Blalock-Taussig-Thomas (BTT) shunt was initially planned. However, severe ST-segment depression occurred upon oral feeding, indicating coronary insufficiency. Cardiac catheterization revealed a single coronary artery with a right ventricular coronary artery fistula, which increased the risk of myocardial ischemia with the BTT shunt. Consequently, a bidirectional Glenn (BDG) procedure with left pulmonary artery reconstruction was performed after maintaining ductal patency with prostaglandin for four months. The patient had a favorable postoperative course without ischemic events. In patients with complex congenital heart defects and coronary anomalies, the presence of a right ventricular coronary artery fistula may increase the risk of ischemia with a BTT shunt. A BDG procedure can offer a safer alternative, leading to a positive clinical outcome and avoiding ischemic complications.

PMID:40566964 | DOI:10.1177/21501351251345787

J Clin Med. 2025 Jun 18;14(12):4355. doi: 10.3390/jcm14124355.

ABSTRACT

Background/Objectives: Heart failure (HF) poses a major challenge in managing adults with congenital heart defects (ACHD). Emerging evidence suggests that HF in ACHD increases the risk of underweight due to heightened metabolic demands, gastrointestinal complications, and psychological factors such as anxiety and depression. Despite its critical implications, few studies have examined this association. This study evaluates the relationship between HF and underweight-defined as a body mass index (BMI) < 18.5-in ACHD. Methods: The Pathfinder-CHD Registry is a prospective, observational, web-based HF registry including ACHD with manifest HF, history of HF, or significant risk for HF. It documents congenital diagnoses, HF type, comorbidities, and treatments. Patients were categorized by BMI into mild (17.00-18.49), moderate (16.00-16.99), and severe (<16.00) underweight. Results: As of September 2024, the registry enrolled 1420 adults (mean age 31.8±11.3 years; 49.2% female). Underweight was present in 59 patients (4.2%): 62.7% mild, 18.6% moderate, and 18.6% severe. Among the remaining 1361 patients, 52.8% had normal weight, 32.8% were overweight, and 14.2% were obese. Women had significantly lower metabolic body weight than men (p = 0.002). Underweight correlated with younger age (p < 0.001) and CHD type (p = 0.02). Notably, 42.9% of underweight patients had cyanotic CHD. Conclusions: Underweight is an underrecognized problem in ACHD with HF. Adults with complex CHD or connective tissue disorders are disproportionately affected. Underweight should be seen as an alarm sign requiring personalized, multidisciplinary management, including nutritional support, tailored therapy, and close monitoring to improve outcomes.

PMID:40566101 | PMC:PMC12194136 | DOI:10.3390/jcm14124355

Children (Basel). 2025 Jun 16;12(6):782. doi: 10.3390/children12060782.

ABSTRACT

Background: Severe neonatal Ebstein's anomaly (EA) is associated with a high risk of mortality. A new therapeutic approach aims to combine the advantages of Starnes' procedure in stabilizing critically ill neonates with the long-term superiority of biventricular physiology after cone reconstruction. Case report: The echocardiography of a male preterm (36 weeks' gestation; birth weight 2400 g) demonstrated EA Carpentier type C, membranous pulmonary atresia, and hypoplastic pulmonary arteries (PAs). After undergoing the Starnes procedure postnatally, multiple dilatations of the AP shunt and the Starnes fenestration followed. Cone reconstruction was performed at 15 months of age. Surgical revision addressed tricuspid and pulmonary valve insufficiency and PA bifurcation stenosis. Subsequently, PA branch stenosis with severe impairment of right ventricular function and dilatation required stent implantation. At the last follow-up, at 3 years of age, the patient was asymptomatic with sufficient exercise tolerance. Discussion: The American Association for Thoracic Surgery recently recommended evaluating all Starnes patients for potential conversion to cone. Consequently, the Starnes procedure should be modified to facilitate subsequent biventricular correction. Both the optimal timing of conversion and the appropriate assessment to reliably evaluate feasibility and the prospects for success require further investigation. Conclusions: Conversion from Starnes to cone is technically feasible, even in cases of severe EA, prematurity, low birth weight, and additional cardiac comorbidities, and provides promising initial results. Further research is needed to define candidacy and the optimal timing of conversion, and to assess long-term outcomes. The high therapeutic effort and complexity make this treatment approach suitable only for quaternary centers.

PMID:40564740 | PMC:PMC12191472 | DOI:10.3390/children12060782

Children (Basel). 2025 Jun 13;12(6):767. doi: 10.3390/children12060767.

ABSTRACT

Objectives: In the neonatal period, 25% of cases with critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) require surgical or interventional palliative and corrective procedures. Prenatal diagnosis and timely intervention can positively impact neonatal mortality and morbidity. This study evaluated the effects of perinatal follow-up on the management of CCHD. Methods: The study was conducted on term neonates diagnosed with CCHD, who were monitored in the neonatology and pediatric cardiac intensive care unit between 1 January 2023 and 1 January 2024. The cases were categorized into CCHD with prenatal follow-up (Group I), CCHD born without follow-up at our hospital (Group II), and CCHD accepted from external centers (Group III). Neonatal mortality and morbidity outcomes of these cases that underwent surgical or interventional procedures were statistically evaluated. Results: During the study period, there were 280 neonatal cases (50% male). Among these cases, 30% were in Group I (n = 84), 20% in Group II (n = 56), and 50% in Group III (n = 140). The cesarean section rate was higher in Group I compared to the other groups (80% vs. 52% vs. 45%), and the preoperative lactate levels were lower (0.9 vs. 1.7 vs. 2.1). The anatomical diagnoses, ventricular physiology, operation time, and interventional procedure time were similar. After interventional or surgical procedures, morbidity (22% vs. 25% vs. 36%) and mortality rates (6% vs. 9% vs. 18%) were lower in Group I and Group II compared to Group III. Conclusions: All infants diagnosed with CCHD before birth should be delivered in a tertiary heart center, which positively contributes to neonatal mortality and morbidity. More effort is needed to improve prenatal screening programs.

PMID:40564725 | PMC:PMC12191443 | DOI:10.3390/children12060767

Children (Basel). 2025 May 29;12(6):705. doi: 10.3390/children12060705.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to describe the prevalence of malnutrition and its impact on postoperative outcomes in infants and children with congenital heart diseases (CHDs) undergoing cardiac surgeries.

METHODS: We conducted a single-center, retrospective review of medical records of children aged 1 month to 5 years with CHDs who underwent cardiac surgery at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC) between January 2015 and January 2017. Anthropometric data were collected and z-scores for weight-for-age (WAZ), height-for-age (HAZ), weight-for-height (WHZ), and BMI-for-age were calculated. Malnutrition was classified based on the World Health Organization (WHO) definitions and the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) criteria. The postoperative outcomes were analyzed using bivariate and multivariable models.

RESULTS: The prevalence of malnutrition was 33.8%, with children younger than 24 months having significantly higher odds of malnutrition. The most common CHDs were ventricular septal defect (VSD) and tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), with malnutrition being significantly more prevalent in the children with VSD. Malnutrition was significantly associated with a prolonged pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) stay, with underweight being the strongest predictor. Malnourished children also had a significantly longer mechanical ventilation time (median 9.0 vs. 5.0 h, p = 0.017). Lower weight-for-age (WAZ) and BMI-for-age z-scores were associated with longer hospital stay, PICU stay, and mechanical ventilation durations.

CONCLUSIONS: Malnutrition is prevalent among children with CHDs and is independently associated with longer hospital and PICU stays, as well as extended mechanical ventilation. Early nutritional assessment and intervention may improve postoperative outcomes in this vulnerable population.

PMID:40564663 | PMC:PMC12191067 | DOI:10.3390/children12060705

Children (Basel). 2025 May 23;12(6):669. doi: 10.3390/children12060669.

ABSTRACT

Congenital heart disease (CHD), the most common congenital anomaly, remains a significant lifelong burden despite advancements in medical and surgical interventions. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have emerged as a groundbreaking platform in CHD research, offering patient-specific models to investigate the genetic, epigenetic, and molecular mechanisms driving the disease. Utilizing technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, cardiac organoids, and high-throughput screening, iPSCs enable innovative strategies in disease modeling, precision drug discovery, and regenerative therapies. However, clinical translation faces challenges related to immaturity, differentiation variability, large-scale feasibility, and tumorigenicity. Addressing these barriers will require standardized protocols, bioengineering solutions, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This review examines the critical role of iPSCs in advancing CHD research and care, demonstrating their potential to revolutionize treatment through patient-specific, regenerative approaches. By addressing current limitations and advancing iPSC technology, the field is positioned to pave the way for precision-based CHD therapies for this lifelong condition.

PMID:40564627 | PMC:PMC12190934 | DOI:10.3390/children12060669

Children (Basel). 2025 May 22;12(6):661. doi: 10.3390/children12060661.

ABSTRACT

Objective: To evaluate early and midterm outcomes of cryopreserved aortic homograft implantation in pediatric patients undergoing aortic valve and root replacement. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 36 pediatric patients aged 2 to 7 years who underwent cryopreserved aortic homograft implantation between January 2016 and December 2024. Indications included complex congenital aortic valve disease, annular hypoplasia, failed Ross procedure, and infective endocarditis. The standard root replacement technique was used under moderate hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass. Postoperative outcomes were analyzed, including early complications, mortality, echocardiographic parameters, and long-term graft performance. Statistical analyses included the use of chi-square test, the Mann-Whitney U test, and Spearman correlation. Results: There was no 30-day mortality. One patient (2.8%) experienced late mortality at year 3, and two patients (5.6%) underwent reoperation at years 4 and 7 due to root aneurysm and severe regurgitation, respectively. Early postoperative echocardiography showed satisfactory hemodynamic performance with a mean gradient of 8.4 ± 3.2 mmHg. At 5-year follow-up, 92.9% of grafts maintained normal function. Conclusions: Cryopreserved homografts provide a safe and effective option for pediatric aortic valve replacement in the early and midterm period. However, potential late complications such as structural degeneration or root dilation necessitate long-term surveillance. Advances in decellularized grafts may improve future durability and integration.

PMID:40564621 | PMC:PMC12191320 | DOI:10.3390/children12060661

JACC Cardiovasc Interv. 2025 Jun 23;18(12):1526-1537. doi: 10.1016/j.jcin.2025.04.041.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure has become the gold-standard treatment for patients with cryptogenic embolism and PFO, but long-term outcomes data are limited.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to report the extended clinical outcomes of patients who underwent transcatheter PFO closure for cryptogenic embolism.

METHODS: PROLONG (PFO Transcatheter Occlusion Long-Term Outcomes National Group) is an investigator-initiated, multicenter, retrospective registry that enrolled patients who underwent transcatheter PFO closure between 1999 and 2013 at 12 centers in Italy. This analysis included only patients who underwent PFO closure for cryptogenic embolism, defined as cryptogenic ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack, systemic embolism, or silent ischemic lesions on magnetic resonance imaging. Clinical, imaging, procedural, and follow-up data were collected from electronic health records and telephone interviews.

RESULTS: The study included 1,245 patients (mean age 47 ± 12 years, 56% women), with a mean follow-up duration of 14.5 ± 2.4 years. During follow-up, 34 patients (2.7%) experienced recurrent ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack, or systemic embolism (0.19 per 100 patient-years). Predictors of recurrent events were Risk of Paradoxical Embolism (RoPE) score ≤ 7 (HR: 3.44; 95% CI: 1.06-11.3; P = 0.041), nonprobable PFO-Associated Stroke Causal Likelihood (PASCAL) classification (HR: 2.72; 95% CI: 1.17-6.34; P = 0.020), and new-onset atrial fibrillation (HR: 7.01; 95% CI: 2.45-20.1; P < 0.001). Serious complications were rare (0.4% in hospital, 0.4% during follow-up) and nonfatal.

CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the long-term efficacy and safety of transcatheter PFO closure for patients with cryptogenic embolism and PFO in a real-world setting. (PFO Transcatheter Occlusion Long-Term Outcomes National Group [PROLONG] Registry; NCT06504121).

PMID:40562467 | DOI:10.1016/j.jcin.2025.04.041

Crit Care Explor. 2025 Jun 25;7(7):e1281. doi: 10.1097/CCE.0000000000001281. eCollection 2025 Jul 1.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Acidemia frequently evolves in pediatric critical care patients, especially with congenital heart defects. Worsening acidemia secondary to inadequate systemic oxygen delivery can be detrimental to patients' outcomes and the ability to predict it has the potential to prompt early interventions to improve the clinical state. We aimed to evaluate the association of a novel near real-time predictive analytics algorithm with acidemia (ACD) (arterial pH < 7.25) in pediatric patients admitted to a critical care unit.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective observational study in nine tertiary institutions in the United States.

SETTING: Majority of patients were admitted to the cardiac ICU. Using Etiometry platform data (Etiometry, Boston, MA), acidemia (ACD) index was validated.

PATIENTS: Patients 12 years old or younger were admitted to an ICU between February 1, 2018, and November 31, 2020.

INTERVENTION: A total of 24,431 arterial blood pH measurements from 1858 patients were included in the validation dataset. The ACD index was calculated using a physiologic algorithm that incorporates patients' variables including laboratory and clinical data. Based on the previous assessment of the physiologic state of the patient, the physiologic algorithm interprets the new data in a real-time manner using Bayes' theorem.

MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS: Based on a complete dataset, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the ACD index was 0.93. As the index value increased, the likelihood of having acidemia increased (p < 0.01). The relative risk of having acidemia when the ACD index is less than 1 was 0.11 (95% CI, 0.07-0.15), and the relative risk of not having acidemia when the ACD index was greater than 99 was 0.38 (95% CI, 0.32-0.46).

CONCLUSIONS: In this large pediatric cohort, higher ACD index values were associated with a higher likelihood of having acidemia. Consequently, this novel index has the potential to identify severe changes in clinical status. Prospective analysis of the ACD index is important to understand its utility in the management of pediatric critical illness.

PMID:40561190 | PMC:PMC12200221 | DOI:10.1097/CCE.0000000000001281

Eur Heart J Qual Care Clin Outcomes. 2025 Jun 25:qcaf052. doi: 10.1093/ehjqcco/qcaf052. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

There is increasing recognition that social determinants of health affect outcomes in individuals with congenital heart disease and cause health disparities. This scientific statement from the European Association of Preventive Cardiology of the European Society of Cardiology provides an outline of the existing disparities from a global perspective in this population. We review the current knowledge on racial and ethnic patterns and the role of deprivation status, food insecurity, built environment, financial strain, psychological health and parental distress and education and literacy in creating inequities. Finally, we provide future directions for policy, research and clinical practice in achieving health equity in the congenital heart disease population.

PMID:40561137 | DOI:10.1093/ehjqcco/qcaf052

Spine Deform. 2025 Jun 25. doi: 10.1007/s43390-025-01132-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Though chest tube removal at the completion of an endoscopic thoracic procedure is well accepted in the pediatric and adult general surgery literature, this practice has never been studied in pediatric patients treated with anterior vertebral tethering (AVT) for AIS. This study retrospectively analyzed pulmonary complications in a large series of AIS patients consecutively treated with chest tube removal at the completion of AVT. The rate of pulmonary complication in this series was then compared with the published rate of pulmonary complication in patients managed with chest tube retention after AVT.

METHODS: A retrospective review of all AIS patients treated with AVT over a twelve year period yielded 257 consecutive patients (248 primary/9 revision) with 349 curves. Out of a total of 349 chest tubes placed intraoperatively, as a routine step of the procedure, 323 were removed at procedure completion while 26 were maintained for 2-5 days post-operatively as warranted. Patient charts, radiographs, and CT scans were reviewed to confirm any pulmonary complications.

RESULTS: In 257 AIS patients treated with AVT, 233 had chest tube removal at the completion of AVT with 4 (1.7%) peri-operative and 8 (3.4%) delayed pulmonary complications. Peri-operative complications included one symptomatic pneumothorax noted in the operating room that required chest tube reinsertion; one static pneumothorax that resolved without intervention; and two significant pleural effusions that resolved over time without intervention. Delayed complications included seven pleural effusions that occurred 2-6 weeks post-operatively and one chylothorax that occurred 1 week post-operatively. Several clinically significant pleural effusions (4/7) required thoracentesis or chest tube drainage but subsequently resolved. The chylothorax required chest tube drainage, dietary fat restriction, and treatment with octreotide. In 24 patients, 26 chest tubes were retained for 2-5 days post-op for a persistent air leak with presumed parenchymal injury (14), revision with significant adhesions (6), bleeding disorder (2), or diaphragmatic repair related to renal eventration (1) or congenital diaphragmic hernia (1).

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the relative safety of immediate chest tube removal at the completion of AVT in AIS patients. The rate of pulmonary complication in 233 patients with chest tube removal at the completion of AVT was 5.1% which compared favorably with a published rate of 10-11% after chest tube retention. In 24 patients with an indication for chest tube retention at the completion of AVT, chest tube retention for 2-5 days resulted in no pulmonary complications.

PMID:40560514 | DOI:10.1007/s43390-025-01132-w

Tomography. 2025 May 28;11(6):62. doi: 10.3390/tomography11060062.

ABSTRACT

Aortic valve stenosis (AS) is a valvular heart disease that imposes a high afterload on the left ventricle (LV) due to restricted opening of the aortic valve, resulting in LV hypertrophy. Severe AS can lead to syncope, angina pectoris, and heart failure. The number of patients with AS has been increasing due to aging populations, the growing prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases, and advances in diagnostic technologies. Therefore, accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment of AS are essential. In recent years, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become feasible, and the number of procedures has rapidly increased, particularly among elderly patients. As treatment options for AS expand and diversify, detailed pre-procedural evaluation has become increasingly important. In particular, diagnostic imaging modalities such as computed tomography (CT) have advanced significantly, with notable improvements in image quality. With recent advancements in CT technology-such as increased detector rows, faster gantry rotation speeds, new image reconstruction methods, and the introduction of dual-energy imaging-the scope of cardiac assessment has expanded beyond the coronary arteries to include valves, myocardium, and the entire heart. This includes evaluating restricted AV opening and cardiac function using four-dimensional imaging, assessing AV annulus diameter and AS severity via calcium scoring with a novel motion correction algorithm, and detecting myocardial damage through late-phase contrast imaging using new reconstruction techniques. In cases of pre-TAVI evaluation or congenital bicuspid valves, CT is also valuable for assessing extracardiac structures, such as access routes and associated congenital heart anomalies. In addition, recent advancements in CT technology have made it possible to significantly reduce radiation exposure during cardiac imaging. CT has become an extremely useful tool for comprehensive cardiac evaluation in patients with aortic stenosis, especially those being considered for surgical treatment.

PMID:40560008 | PMC:PMC12196544 | DOI:10.3390/tomography11060062

Open Vet J. 2025 May;15(5):2259-2264. doi: 10.5455/OVJ.2025.v15.i5.43. Epub 2025 May 31.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Peritoneopericardial hernias (PPHs) are congenital malformations characterized by continuity defects between the diaphragm and the peritoneum that allow the transposition of abdominal organs into the thoracic cavity. These malformations can lead to clinical, gastroenterological, and respiratory problems, such as vomiting, dyspnea, and tachypnea. They can be congenital, and patients develop clinical signs at a young age or can be diagnosed as incidental when no complications occur. Furthermore, other malformations, such as cryptorchidism and cardiac interventricular communication, can present with congenital HPP.

CASE DESCRIPTION: This article reports a case of PPH in association with a ventricular septal defect (VSD) in a pediatric canine patient. The dog, a female Shih Tzu, aged 2 months, presented with cyanosis, low weight, decreased body condition score (3/9), and underdevelopment in comparison with other puppies of the same litter. At physical examination, all parameters were within the normal range; however, there was a sound at the base of the heart during auscultation, and echocardiographic examination displayed VSD. Due to the dyspnea, thoracic radiography was performed, and the suspicion of PPH was confirmed. Peritoneopericardial hernioplasty surgery was indicated for a 2-month-old patient. During the surgical procedure, it was not necessary to enter the thoracic cavity in order to close the defect, and suture surgery was performed through the abdominal cavity accessed in the subxiphoidal region. Despite the high risks associated with the procedure, no intraoperative or anesthetic complications occurred.

CONCLUSION: The hernioplasty procedure was considered successful, and the patient's development and body condition score improvement, with the surgical procedure resolving all signs of respiratory distress.

PMID:40557092 | PMC:PMC12184471 | DOI:10.5455/OVJ.2025.v15.i5.43

Cardiol Young. 2025 Jun 25:1-7. doi: 10.1017/S1047951125001969. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The Pediatric Acute Care Cardiology Collaborative (PAC3) previously showed decreased postoperative chest tube duration and length of stay in children undergoing 9 Society of Thoracic Surgeons benchmark operations. Here we report how these gains were sustained over time and spread to 8 additional centers within the PAC3 network.

METHODS: Patient data were prospectively collected across baseline and intervention phases at the original 9 centres (Pioneer) and 8 new centres (Spread). The Pioneer baseline phase was 6/2017-6/2018 and Spread was 5/2019-9/2019. The Pioneer intervention phase was 7/2018-7/2021 and Spread 10/2019-7/2021. The primary outcome measure was postoperative chest tube duration in hours, with the aim of 20% overall reduction. Balancing measures included chest tube reinsertion and readmission for pleural effusion. Statistical process control methods and traditional statistics were used to analyse outcomes over time.

RESULTS: Among 5,042 patients at 17 centres, demographics were comparable. The Pioneer cohort (n = 3,383) sustained a 22.6% reduction in mean chest tube duration (from 91.9 hours to 70.5 hours), while the Spread cohort (n = 1,659) showed a 9.7% reduction (from 73.1 hours to 66.0 hours) in the first 13 months following intervention. Across both cohorts, rates of reinsertion (2.0% versus 2.1%, p = 0.869) and readmission for effusion did not change (0.3% versus 0.5%, p = 0.285).

CONCLUSIONS: This multicenter prospective quality improvement study demonstrated sustained reduction in chest tube duration at 9 centres while successfully spreading improvement to 8 additional centres. This project serves as a model for post-operative multicentre quality improvement across a large cohort of congenital cardiac surgery patients.

PMID:40556264 | DOI:10.1017/S1047951125001969

Eur J Pediatr. 2025 Jun 25;184(7):440. doi: 10.1007/s00431-025-06187-5.

ABSTRACT

The role of intrarenal Doppler parameters in predicting postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) has been increasingly emphasized, but remains underexplored in children undergoing cardiac surgery. This study aimed to investigate the association between intrarenal venous Doppler patterns and the occurrence of postoperative AKI in children after congenital cardiac surgery. This retrospective study included 338 pediatric patients who underwent elective cardiac surgery between June 2019 and December 2021. Intrarenal blood flow Doppler measurements were performed before and after surgery. The primary outcome was the difference in postoperative renal venous Doppler patterns between patients with and without AKI according to the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes criteria. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with AKI. Of the 338 patients, 12.1% developed postoperative AKI. Patients with AKI had a higher prevalence of biphasic and monophasic renal venous flow patterns than those without AKI (63.5% vs. 19.9%, p < 0.001). The AKI group had higher pre- and postoperative renal resistive index than the non-AKI group. Discontinuous renal venous flow pattern, preoperative intensive care unit admission, higher Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery-1 score and intraoperative vasoactive-inotropic score, and lower preoperative albumin levels were associated with postoperative AKI. Conclusion: Abnormal postoperative intrarenal venous Doppler patterns were associated with AKI in pediatric patients after congenital cardiac surgery. Intraoperative Doppler assessment of renal venous flow may help identify children at a higher risk of AKI, allowing for early interventions.

PMID:40555869 | PMC:PMC12187880 | DOI:10.1007/s00431-025-06187-5

Leg Med (Tokyo). 2025 Jun 22;76:102661. doi: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102661. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Stab injuries involving the vertebral region are rare and pose significant challenges during forensic autopsy due to the complexity of the surrounding anatomical structures. Radiological techniques, such as post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) or micro-CT, have shown great potential for detecting and detailing sharp bone lesions. We herein present a fatal case of homicidal stab wound involving the left vertebral artery and the homolateral surface of the axis. PMCT identified a fracture of the left lateral mass of the axis (C2), and micro-CT revealed a cortical discontinuity of the left transverse process of C2, nearly separating the transverse process from the body of the axis. Based on micro-CT data, a 3D model of the first three cervical vertebrae was printed in a clear material on a Formlabs Form 3L printer, and a fit-matching analysis was conducted with two potential weapons. The billhook seized by the Police demonstrated a precise fit with the fracture pattern when its handle was positioned posteriorly, and the tip penetrated laterally in a left-to-right trajectory. In conclusion, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of vertebral stab wound analysis using a combined micro-CT and 3D printing approach. Although 3D printing is not yet a fully validated forensic method, and further research is needed for identifying any potential errors occurring during production, segmentation, stereolithography data generation, and post-processing, this report highlights the high potentiality of micro-radiology and 3D printing as promising tools for the morphometric analysis of vertebral injuries.

PMID:40554891 | DOI:10.1016/j.legalmed.2025.102661

Gen Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2025 Jun 24. doi: 10.1007/s11748-025-02172-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary sequestration (PS) is a rare congenital lung malformation often requiring surgical resection due to recurrent infections or hemoptysis. Traditionally treated via open thoracotomy, recent advancements have made minimal-invasive approaches like robotic-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS) increasingly viable. This study compares outcomes between RATS and open resection for PS in a high-volume center.

METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, 23 adult patients who underwent surgical resection of PS between 2010 and 2023 were analyzed. Fifteen patients were treated via open thoracotomy (THKT), while eight underwent RATS using the DaVinci-X system. We compared preoperative findings, intraoperative variables, and postoperative outcomes.

RESULTS: The patients in the RATS group were younger (median age: 36 vs 47 years) and had a shorter median hospital stay (5 vs 10 days, p < 0.001) compared to the THKT group. The RATS group also experienced earlier chest drainage removal (3 vs. 4 days, p = 0.016). However, the median duration of surgery was longer for RATS (118 vs. 75 min, p = 0.018). A trend towards less postoperative complications was observed in the RATS group (33% vs. 0%).

CONCLUSIONS: RATS provides a safe and effective alternative to open surgery for PS resection, with benefits including reduced hospital stay and earlier chest tube removal. Despite longer operative times, the minimally invasive approach may offer enhanced recovery and fewer complications. Continued accumulation of experience with RATS is likely to improve operative efficiency, making it a valuable option in the surgical management of pulmonary malformations.

PMID:40553225 | DOI:10.1007/s11748-025-02172-9

Front Pharmacol. 2025 Jun 9;16:1633008. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2025.1633008. eCollection 2025.

ABSTRACT

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1449831.].

PMID:40552163 | PMC:PMC12183511 | DOI:10.3389/fphar.2025.1633008

Pediatr Rheumatol Online J. 2025 Jun 23;23(1):68. doi: 10.1186/s12969-025-01117-z.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:40551202 | PMC:PMC12186311 | DOI:10.1186/s12969-025-01117-z