Background: Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have emerged as a novel method for evaluating heart failure (HF) in adult electrocardiograms (ECGs). However, such CNNs are not applicable to pediatric HF, where abnormal anatomy of congenital heart defects plays an important role. ECG-based CNNs reflecting neurohormonal activation (NHA) may be a useful marker of pediatric HF.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWe experienced the first case of a difficult-to-extract central venous catheter removed with a pacemaker lead removal system: a 14-year-old boy with Hirschsprung's disease who had repeated catheter infections that could not be removed by traction. Because the catheter lumen was occluded, a suture was tied around the end of the catheter and the catheter was removed with a rotating dilator.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFOur study aimed to elucidate the role of different shunts and provide novel insights into optimal treatment approaches for complete transposition of the great arteries (TGA), which is characterized by unique and complicated circulatory dynamics. We constructed a computational cardiovascular TGA model and manipulated cardiovascular parameters, such as atrial septal defect (ASD) and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) sizes, to quantify their effects on oxygenation and hemodynamics. In addition, ASD flow patterns were investigated as innovative indications for balloon atrial septostomy (BAS).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFTakotsubo cardiomyopathy, a disease that causes transient contractile abnormalities mainly in the left ventricular apex, is rarely reported in children, especially in those with single-ventricle disease. A 4-year-old boy with a single right ventricle was transferred to our hospital following a severe seizure and was diagnosed with takotsubo cardiomyopathy by echocardiography. His cardiac function improved; however, he developed hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEmery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy is a slowly progressive skeletal muscle and joint disorder associated with cardiac complications. Dilated cardiomyopathy was the initial manifestation of Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy in an 8-year-old girl. Despite normal muscle and myocardial biopsies, genetic testing revealed mutations.
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