The Utility of Screening Fetal Echocardiograms Following Normal Level II Ultrasounds in Fetuses with Maternal Congenital Heart Disease.

Introduction: Fetal echocardiograms (F-echo) are recommended in all pregnancies when maternal congenital heart disease (CHD) is present, even if there was a prior level II ultrasound (LII-US) that was normal. The goal of this study was to evaluate if any diagnosis of a critical CHD was missed in a fetus with maternal CHD who had a normal LII-US.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of all F-echoes where the indication was maternal CHD between 1/1/2015 to 12/31/2022 was performed.

Early Experience and Lessons Learned Using Implanted Hemodynamic Monitoring in Patients With Fontan Circulation.

Background: Data on the use of implanted hemodynamic monitoring (IHM) in patients with Fontan circulation are limited. This study reports our experience using the CardioMEMS HF system in adults with Fontan circulation.

Methods And Results: This single-center, retrospective study evaluated heart failure hospitalizations, procedural complications, and device-related complications in patients with Fontan circulation referred for IHM placement (2015-2022).

Location matters: left heart obstruction in pregnancy.

Objectives: Left heart obstruction in pregnancy is associated with higher rates of morbidity/mortality. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate maternal cardiovascular, obstetric, and fetal/infant events in pregnant women with left heart obstruction.

Study Design: Pregnant women with current or repaired left heart obstruction were retrospectively analyzed (2000-2014): mitral stenosis, left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (subvalvar, valvar, supravalvar), and coarctation of the aorta.

Mustard baffle obstruction and leak - How successful are percutaneous interventions in adults?

Atrial switch operations for D-Transposition of the great arteries (D-TGA) were performed until the late 20th century. These patients have substantial rates of re-operation, particularly for baffle related complications. This study sought to analyze the efficacy of percutaneous transcatheter intervention (PTI) for baffle leak and/or stenosis in adult atrial switch patients.

Accuracy of Imaging Modalities in Detection of Baffle Leaks in Patients Following Atrial Switch Operation.

Aims: Patients with dextro-transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA) status post atrial switch operation are vulnerable to complications such as baffle leaks. The best noninvasive imaging modality to detect baffle leaks is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of different noninvasive imaging modalities in the detection of baffle leaks in this population.

Major adverse maternal cardiovascular-related events in those with aortopathies. What should we expect?

Major adverse maternal cardiovascular-related events (MAMCRE) in aortopathy patients undergoing pregnancy are poorly defined. The aim was to assess for MAMCRE in pregnant patients with aortopathy or aortic enlargement in conotruncal defects (CTD), and determine if there are differences between groups. We conducted a single-center retrospective review of pregnant women (2000-2013) with hereditary vascular disease (HVD: BAV, COA), heritable fibrillinopathies (HF: MFS, EDS, LDS, FTAAS), and CTD with aortic dilatation (TOF, d-TGA, DORV).