Superior cavopulmonary anastomosis timing and outcomes in infants with single ventricle.

Objectives: We sought to identify factors associated with the timing and surgical outcomes of the superior cavopulmonary anastomosis.

Methods: The Pediatric Heart Network's Infant Single Ventricle trial database identified participants who underwent superior cavopulmonary anastomosis. Factors potentially associated with age at superior cavopulmonary anastomosis, length of stay and death by 14 months of age were evaluated.

Challenges in echocardiographic assessment of mitral regurgitation in children after repair of atrioventricular septal defect.

The validity and reproducibility of echocardiographic methods used to quantify mitral regurgitation (MR) in children with congenital heart disease are unknown. We evaluated the usefulness of methods used to quantify MR in children enrolled in a multicenter trial of enalapril 6 months after surgical repair of an atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD). MR severity in this trial was assessed using body surface area (BSA)-adjusted vena contracta lateral (i-VCW(lat)) and anterior-posterior (i-VCW(ap)) dimensions and cross-sectional area (i-VCA), regurgitant volume/BSA, regurgitant fraction, and qualitative MR grade.

Late status of Fontan patients with persistent surgical fenestration.

Objectives: This study was undertaken to determine the effects of creating a systemic-to-pulmonary venous atrial-level communication (fenestration) at the time of the Fontan procedure on late outcomes.

Background: Fenestrations are frequently performed during Fontan procedures, but late consequences are not well described.

Methods: Patient characteristics were compared between those with and without surgical fenestration among 536 subjects (mean age 11.

Retropharyngeal edema: an unusual manifestation of Kawasaki disease.

Background: Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute multisystem vasculitis of unknown etiology that typically affects young children. KD presenting as a retropharyngeal inflammatory process is very rare.

Objectives: To report a case of KD initially presenting as a retropharyngeal edema mimicking a deep neck infection, and to review previously published reports in the literature.

Video-assisted ductal ligation in premature infants.

Background: Video-assisted thoracic surgery has been shown to be a safe and effective method of closing the patent ductus arteriosus in infants and children. We have applied this technique in low birth weight premature infants and now report our experience.

Methods: Since 1996, we have used video-assisted thoracic surgery ligation as the treatment of choice for all patent ductus arteriosus, including 100 performed on premature infants (23 to 31 weeks' gestation, mean 25.