Cardiac Trauma in Children

Although major penetrating or blunt cardiac trauma is rare in children, severe sequelae may result if patients are not managed in a thorough and systematic manner. Penetrating cardiac injuries are fatal in most patients, but survival is possible in patients who maintain vital signs until hospital arrival and can be transported to the OR without delay.The most common cardiac injury from blunt trauma is a cardiac contusion. Patients who have normal vital signs, examination findings, and ECG on arrival are very unlikely to have significant cardiac sequelae. Differences exist in the literature regarding the proper evaluation of blunt cardiac injury, but all patients should have an initial ECG and careful physical examination. Any significant abnormality requires admission for monitoring, frequent reexamination, and consideration of further testing such as troponins, serial ECGs, and/or an echocardiogram.     

心脏扩大 心功能不全

1病历摘要患儿女,9月龄。2010-09-03以发现心脏杂音2个月为主诉入住北京大学第一医院儿科心血管病房。患儿于2个月前在当地医院就诊时发现心脏杂音,无青紫、苍白、水肿,无气促、喘憋、咳嗽。X线胸片示两肺血多,主动脉结宽,肺动脉段平直,左室增大,心胸比0.68。心电图示窦性心动过速,左室肥厚,ST-T改变。     

MASSIVE CARDIAC CHONDROMA PRESENTING WITH HEART FAILURE AND SUPERIOR VENA CAVA OBSTRUCTION IN A TEENAGE BOY

Histologically benign soft-tissue chondromas have been reported at many anatomical sites but are an uncommon cause of soft tissue mass lesions in childhood, accounting for less than 1% of cases. The most frequent sites for extraosseous soft-tissue chondromas are the hands and feet. For the extremely rare visceral chondromas, the site can be lung, where they may represent a component of Carney's syndrome of extra-adrenal paraganglioma, pulmonary chondroma, and epithelioid leiomyosarcoma of the gastrointestinal tract. Primary cardiac chondromas are exceptionally rare in patients of any age although cardiac chondrosarcoma, both primary and metastatic, is well reported. We present a case of a teenage boy with a fatal cardiac chondroma     

Fetal and Neonatal Cardiac Tumors

Primary tumors of the heart are uncommon in the fetus and neonate. Nevertheless, the widespread use of new imaging techniques has contributed significantly to earlier diagnosis, treatment, and thus improved survival. The clinical findings, imaging studies, pathology, and outcome of 224 fetuses and neonates with cardiac tumors collected from the literature are evaluated and discussed. Most tumors are benign, and of these rhabdomyoma is the most common, followed by teratoma, fibroma, oncocytic cardiomyopathy, vascular tumors, and myxoma. Malignant and metastatic tumors are described but are rare. Murmurs, arrhythmias, cyanosis, respiratory distress, and cardiac failure are the main presenting signs of cardiac tumors in the perinatal period. Disturbances in hemodynamic function are correlated with the size and location of the tumor. Cardiac vascular tumors have the best outcome, whereas malignant tumors have the worst. The purpose of this review is to concentrate on the fetus and neonate in an attempt to determine the various ways cardiac tumors differ clinically and morphologically in this age group from those occurring in older children and adults and to show that certain types of tumors have a better prognosis than others.     

心脏直视术后心肌肌钙蛋白Ⅰ的转归及其影响因素相关性分析

目的探讨心脏直视术后心肌肌钙蛋白Ⅰ(TnTi)的转归,并就其与各影响因素作相关性分析。方法收集57例中低温体外循环下行心内畸形纠治术后患儿,年龄(2.34±2.11)岁.体重(10.92±4.59)kg。按病种不同分为A组(法洛氏四联症组,n=31)和B组(室间隔缺损组,n=26)。分别测定术前、主动脉开放5min、6h、12h、24h、48h、72h7个时相点血清TnTi浓度和心功能评分(score),记录体外转流时间(TT)、主动脉阻断时间(CT)以及监护窒预后情况。结果①与术前相比,主动脉开放5min时TnTi显著升高达到峰值(P<0.01),72h后仍高于术前水平(P<0.01);A组患儿血清TnTi显著高于B组患儿,两组cTnTi峰值分别是术前的118和55倍。②患儿TT、CT、手术机械损伤部位及程度与TnTi浓度呈正相关,相关系数分别为0.51、0.51、0.35(P均<0.01)。score与TnTi浓度呈负相关,相关系数为-0.52(P<0.01)。③2.3μg／L是预估患儿术后心功能恢复以及指导临床治疗的临界值。结论TnTi是心脏直视术后评价心肌受损的可靠指标,对反映患儿术后心功能的恢复有一定参考价值。     

Increased Cardiac Muscle Fiber Size and Reduced Cell Number in Down Syndrome: Heart Muscle Cell Number in Down Syndrome

The size of cardiac muscle fibers was determined for 15 patients with Down syndrome who did not have congenital heart disease and for 15 age- and sex-matched control patients by counting the number of cardiac muscle cells in specified areas of microscopic sections (method of Black-Schaffer and Turner). Mean ratio of muscle cells per unit area for the Down patients versus controls was 84.9%, with mean cross-sectional area of Down fibers 117.8% of control value and calculated mean volume of Down cells 127.7% of control value. Mean weights of Down hearts related to normal for age, versus control hearts, was 79.8% of control values. Calculated ratio of total cardiac muscle cell number in Down hearts was 62.5% of the value for controls. This value corresponds closely to the 62.4%, which can be calculated from Naeye's data¹ on cardiac muscle fiber size in Down syndrome based on a point-count method, and is also close to published values for liver cell size and number^1,2 and skeletal muscle nuclear number² in Down syndrome. This study demonstrates that the Black-S chaffer and Turner method gives results equivalent to those of the point-count method for studies of cardiac muscle fiber size, and further supports the suggestion² that chromosome 21 controls the size and number of at least certain cell types.     

Cardiac effects of a single course of antenatal betamethasone in preterm infants

AIM: To show the effects of a single course of antenatal betamethasone on cardiac measurements and systolic functions in premature newborn infants. METHODS: Seventy six newborn infants with a gestational age of 25-33 weeks were included in the study. They were first classified according to their gestational age: 25-29 weeks (n = 28) and 30-33 weeks (n = 48). They were then reclassified as betamethasone positive (mother received one course of betamethasone) or betamethasone negative (mother did not receive any antenatal glucocorticoid treatment). Cross sectional M mode echocardiographic scans were performed during the first three postnatal days and at the end of the first and third weeks. Left interventricular septum (IVS), left ventricular posterior wall (LVPW), left ventricular end diastolic (LVED), and left ventricular end systolic (LVES) dimensions, aortic root (AO), and left atrial diameters (LAs) were measured. The IVS to LVPW ratio was calculated to identify asymmetrical septal hypertrophy. RESULTS: In neither group was any statistically significant difference noted in IVS, LVED, LVES, LVPW, LA, and AO measurements during the three cardiac ultrasonography scans. Systolic function, as assessed by fractional shortening, was not significantly different in infants who received betamethasone antenatally, in either age group. There was no difference in the IVS/LVPW ratios between those who received antenatal steroid and those who did not for the 25-29 week and 30-33 week groups during these three consecutive scans. CONCLUSION: One course of antenatal betamethasone did not affect the cardiac wall thicknesses and systolic function in premature infants.     

Diagnosis and management of cyanotic congenital heart disease: Part I

Most commonly encountered cyanotic cardiac lesions in children, namely, tetralogy of Fallot, transposition of the great arteries and tricuspid atresia are reviewed. Pathology, pathophysiology, clinical features, non-invasive and invasive laboratory studies and management are discussed. The clinical and non-invasive laboratory features are sufficiently characteristic for making the diagnosis and invasive cardiac catheterization and angiographic studies are not routinely required and are needed either to define features, not clearly defined by non-invasive studies or as a part of catheter-based intervention. Surgical correction or effective palliation can be undertaken with relatively low risk. However, residual defects, some requiring repeat catheter or surgical intervention, are present in a significant percentage of patients and therefore, continued follow-up after surgery is mandatory.     

心肌钙蛋白-I与心肌钙蛋白-T诊断小儿病毒性心肌炎的初步比较研究

目的 比较心肌钙蛋白-I、T（cTnI、T）对小儿病毒性心肌炎（VMC）的诊断价值。方法 20例临床上诊断为VMC（急性期）或疑似VMC患儿，分别在入院后不同时间静脉采血，同步检测血清cTnI、T，并与非心肌炎（NMC）其他疾病组比较。结果 NMC其他疾病组血清cTnI、T均阴性；VMC组各阳性4例（40％）；疑似VMC组分别阳性2例（20％）、1例（10％）。结论 在小儿VMC诊断中，cTnI、T的阳性率差异无显著性。     

11例人工永久心脏起搏器置入术后随访分析

为探讨11例患儿安装永久起搏器后原发病改善情况、起搏器工作状况及术后的并发症，于术前，术后1周、1、3、6及12个月，此后每年复查心电图、胸片、心脏超声等检查；同时检测起搏器阈值，阈值结果采用t检验进行统计。结果显示术后临床症状及心电图、胸片、超声检查结果较术前改善；术中与术后1周、术后1周与1个月、1个月与3个月阈值比较有明显差异，术后3个月与1年、3年分别比较无明显差异；感染等并发症多见于术后3个月内。提示：术后原发病预后得到改善，起搏器起搏功能良好，阈值于术后3个月稳定；并发症于术后3个月内多见，在此期间应密切随访。     

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??Cardiac output measurement is a very important content in the rescue management of critically ill neonates??especially in patients with hemodynamic instability??such as neonatal severe infection??septic shock??multiple organ failure??congenital heart disease??etc. The monitoring methods include invasive measurement??noninvasive measurement and wearable or portable dynamic measurement??etc. The current clinical noninvasive continuous measurement of neonatal cardiac output mainly adopts ultrasonic cardiac output monitor??USCOM?? technique. By monitoring the cardiac output??we can accurately estimate the patient’s cardiac function and systemic perfusion??which has important significance in patient’s condition assessment??clinical medicine guidance and prognosis judgement.     

Comparison of serum cardiac troponin T and creatine kinase MB isoenzyme mass concentrations in asphyxiated term infants during the first 48 h of life

OBJECTIVE: This prospective study aimed to compare serum creatine kinase MB isoenzyme (CK-MB) mass concentrations and cardiac troponin T (cTnT) concentrations during the first 48 h of life in asphyxiated term infants. METHODS: Serum cTnT and CK-MB mass concentrations of 50 term infants with clinical features of perinatal asphyxia were measured at birth and at 12, 24 and 48 h of age by chemiluminescence immunoassay. These infants were followed up until discharge or death. Cord blood CK-MB and cTnT concentrations of 50 healthy term infants were also assayed. RESULTS: At birth, asphyxiated infants had significantly higher concentrations of cTnT and CK-MB than controls (P < 0.0001). Serum cTnT of asphyxiated infants with low ejection fraction <60% was significantly higher at 12 and 24 h than those with normal ejection fraction (P < 0.05). Asphyxiated infants with congestive cardiac failure had significantly higher serum cTnT concentration during the first 48 h of life than those without congestive cardiac failure (P or= 0.1). CONCLUSION: Unlike CK-MB, serum cTnT concentrations are significantly higher in asphyxiated infants who die or develop cardiac dysfunction.     

Peri-operative management of paediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery--focus on respiratory aspects of care

Children requiring cardiac surgery present particular challenges in peri-operative respiratory management. The wide variety of conditions and operations and their varied impact on respiratory function makes dialogue with related medical staff essential. In most circumstances, cardiac performance is the main determinant of respiratory outcomes. Changing cardiologic and surgical approaches have combined to diminish the severity and frequency of pulmonary hypertensive issues and new treatment modalities are simplifying the intensive care approach. Patients with Down's syndrome and 22q11 deletion syndrome present particular issues related to anatomy, physiology and respiratory function. Certain conditions, including tetralogy of Fallot and cavopulmonary connections, present unique circumstances where respiratory management, sometimes including extubation, may assist in optimisation of cardiac performance. These and other conditions highlight the complexities of cardiopulmonary interactions. Cardiac performance remains the principal determinant of outcome after paediatric cardiac surgery and has the biggest impact on respiratory function.     

Congenital heart disease in India: A status report

Pediatric cardiac care in India is still in its infancy. We have no data on congenital heart disease (CHD) prevalence at birth or on proportional mortality from CHD. The resources are not only limited but also are at times improperly utilized. There are very few specialized pediatric cardiology training programs, those that are, are concentrated in certain regions of India and are often imparted through combined adult and pediatric programs. The existing number of trained personnel for pediatric cardiology and pediatric cardiac surgery is inadequate. Above all there is no national policy for pediatric heart care. Increasing awareness of the problem amongst the pediatricians through CMEs, seminars, symposia is likely to be most helpful in early diagnosis and timely referral of cases. Training programs exclusively dedicated to pediatric cardiology and pediatric cardiac surgery need to be established in centres with good standards of pediatric cardiac care.     

Cardiac mucormycosis in a child with severe aplastic anemia: a case report

Mucormycosis is an uncommon, severe, life-threatening fungal infection in the immunocompromised host. Mucormycosis with aplastic anemia is seen rarely. Only a few cases of cardiac mucormycosis with aplastic anemia have been reported in the literature. The authors present a case with severe aplastic anemia that did not respond to classic and immunosuppressive treatment for disease and developing invasive cardiac mucormycosis despite empiric treatment for febrile neutropenia.     

Severe calcification of the aorta (porcelain aorta) associated with sarcoidosis in a pediatric heart transplant recipient

We report a unique case of severe calcification of the aorta, bilateral coronary ostial stenoses and calcification of the mitral valve and left ventricle due to sarcoidosis. The patient underwent neonatal orthotopic heart transplantation secondary to hypoplastic left heart syndrome and developed hypercalcemia with other features of sarcoidosis at 10 yr of age. The mechanism for severe extra-renal calcification localized to the allograft is poorly understood, but may involve discordant local immune modulation and/or calcification-regulation between graft and host tissues.     

I. VALIDITY OF DICHROMATIC EARPIECE DENSITOMETRY FOR QUANTITATIVE STUDIES IN CHILDREN WITH SHUNT-FREE CARDIOVASCULAR MALFORMATIONS

Abstract: Cardiac output was assessed in 16 children without evidence of cardiovascular shunts from simultaneously recorded earpiece and cuvette densitometric tracings. The earpiece set-up was calibrated by the end-tail method. Both instruments gave linear response to dye concentrations used. There was a close correlation between cardiac output figures recorded by the two methods (r=0.95) and no systematic difference occurred.
It is concluded that in infants and children earpiece densitometry constitutes a rapid and accurate method for quantitative circulatory studies.     

Congenital Polyvalvular Cardiac Disease Without Chromosomal Abnormalities

Congenital polyvalvular cardiac disease has been reported in association with trisomies 18, 13, and 15. Ninety-three percent of trisomy 18 patients have polyvalvular disease, and 34% have all four valves involved. Four cases of polyvalvular disease without chromosomal abnormalities were studied and compared to polyvalvular disease with trisomy. In these four cases, all four valves were markedly abnormal with nodularity and redundant tissue; one aortic and two pulmonary valves were bicuspid; and one aortic, two tricuspid, and three mitral valves were unicuspid. The chordae tendineae were generally abbreviated and papillary muscles were hypoplastic. Microscopically, the valves had spongiosis, vacuolar degeneration, and a decrease in elastic fibers. Multiple other cardiac anomalies were present in each case. Three of the four cases also had significant extracardiac anomalies, which were lethal in two cases. The fourth case with no other anomalies had a history of maternal tobacco, alcohol, and cocaine abuse, with the latter being detected in fetal urine after birth. There does not appear to be a significant difference between polyvalvular disease with and without trisomy. Polyvalvular disease is usually not an isolated disorder but is associated with other intraand extracardiac anomalies.