Characterization of the Rate of Aortic Dilation in Young Patients with Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm.

Longitudinal changes in aortic diameters of young patients with thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) have not been completely described, particularly over long periods of follow-up. This retrospective study sought to characterize the rates of proximal aortic dilation in young patients, identify risk factors for TAA progression, and evaluate the predictive utility of early echocardiographic follow-up. Inclusion criteria were: (1) TAA or TAA-predisposing genetic diagnosis, (2) age < 25 years at first echocardiogram, and (3) minimum of 5 years of echocardiographic follow-up.

The Risk of Thromboembolic Complications in Fontan Patients with Atrial Flutter/Fibrillation Treated with Electrical Cardioversion.

Atrial flutter or fibrillation (AFF) remains a major chronic complication of the Fontan procedure. This complication further predisposes this patient population to thromboembolic events. However, the incidence of thromboembolic complications in Fontan patients with AFF prior to or acutely after electrical cardioversion is unknown.

Midterm survival of infants requiring postoperative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation after Norwood palliation.

This study reports the mid-term survival for neonates undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) after Norwood palliation at a single center. Limited data exist on the mid-term survival of patients undergoing ECMO after Norwood palliation. We reviewed our ECMO experience from July 1994 to October 2008 and compared two groups: patients who required ECMO after Norwood palliation and patients who underwent Norwood palliation without ECMO.

Comparison between transthoracic echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in patients status post atrial switch procedure.

Objectives: This study compares image quality, cost, right ventricular ejection fraction analysis, and baffle visualization between transthoracic echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in those status post atrial switch for transposition of the great arteries.

Background: This population requires imaging for serial evaluations. Transthoracic echocardiography is often first line but has drawbacks, many of which are addressed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.

Is left ventricular noncompaction in children truly an isolated lesion?

Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) is a form of cardiomyopathy resulting from a disorder of endomyocardial morphogenesis. It has been associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to characterize associated cardiac findings in children with LVNC and to identify risk factors associated with increased mortality.