Frequency of superior vena cava obstruction in pediatric heart transplant recipients and its relation to previous superior cavopulmonary anastomosis.

The risk factors for superior vena cava (SVC) obstruction after pediatric orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) have not been identified. This study tested the hypothesis that pretransplant superior cavopulmonary anastomosis (CPA) predisposes patients to SVC obstruction. A retrospective review of the Pediatric Cardiac Care Consortium registry from 1982 through 2007 was performed.

"Vanishing" pulmonary valve stenosis.

Objective: Both spontaneous resolution and progression of mild pulmonary valve stenosis (PS) have been reported. We reviewed characteristics of the pulmonary valve (PV) to determine factors that could influence resolution of mild PS.

Methods: Fifteen asymptomatic pediatric patients with spontaneous resolution of isolated mild PS were retrospectively reviewed.