Results of balloon valvuloplasty in typical and dysplastic pulmonary valve stenosis: Doppler echocardiographic follow-up

To assess the usefulness of balloon valvuloplasty in patients with a dysplastic pulmonary valve, the files of 36 patients (aged 1 day to 18.5 years) who had two-dimensional echocardiography before and continuous wave Doppler echocardiography late after balloon valvuloplasty (balloon diameter greater than or equal to 20% anulus diameter) were reviewed. Results of relief of pulmonary stenosis were graded by catheter gradient in the catheterization laboratory and compared with Doppler echocardiographic findings at follow-up. There were 32 patients with typical pulmonary stenosis and 4 with a dysplastic valve. In the 32 patients with typical pulmonary stenosis, transvalvular gradient changed from a mean of 67 +/- 32 to 20 +/- 20 mm Hg (p less than 0.0001, mean reduction 72.6%). The gradients at follow-up by Doppler echocardiography averaged 20 mm Hg including 15 that increased, 3 that were unchanged and 14 that decreased. Only 3 (9%) of 32 patients had a gradient greater than 25 mm Hg at follow-up and only one gradient was greater than 35 mm Hg. All four patients with a dysplastic valve had a gradient that decreased with valvuloplasty from a mean of 85 +/- 33 to 33 +/- 20 mm Hg (p less than 0.05); gradient reduction in this group ranged from 40 to 85% (mean 57.5%). The gradient at follow-up increased in three of these four patients and decreased in one (the only late gradient less than 25 mm Hg). Late gradient was less than 35 mm Hg in two of the four patients and was reduced by 43 and 57%, respectively, in the other two.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Long-term results of balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty of valvar pulmonic stenosis

The purpose of this paper is to document long-term results of percutaneous balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty. Forty-one patients, aged 7 days to 20 years, underwent pulmonary valvuloplasty over a 3 1/2-year period ending in April, 1987. Balloon valvuloplasty resulted in immediate reduction in the pulmonary valvar pressure gradient from 92 +/- 45 to 30 +/- 22 mm Hg (p less than 0.001). Follow-up (3 to 34 months) clinical, ECG, and echo Doppler data were available in 35 patients. Follow-up (6 to 34 months) cardiac catheterization data were available in 29 of the 35 patients. Short ejection systolic murmurs were heard in all 35, but an early diastolic decrescendo murmur was heard in only 12 patients. Based on the catheterization and Doppler data, the patients were divided into two groups: group I (30 patients) with excellent results and group II (five patients) with poor results (gradients greater than 50 mm Hg). In group I ECG right ventricular hypertrophy regressed. The echocardiographic right ventricular end-diastolic dimension (21 +/- 6 vs 15.9 +/- 4.6 mm) decreased (p less than 0.001) while the left ventricular dimension increased (p less than 0.02). Peak Doppler flow velocity in the main pulmonary artery fell from 4.0 +/- 0.8 m/sec to 2.3 +/- 0.5 m/sec (p less than 0.001). Doppler evidence for pulmonary insufficiency was present in 21 patients. Catheterization-determined pulmonary valvar gradients (24 patients) also fell from 95.6 +/- 50.3 mm Hg to 18.3 +/- 12.5 mm Hg (p less than 0.001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Influence of balloon size on short-term and long-term results of balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty

This article studies the relationship between the size of the balloon used for balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty (BPV) and the degree of relief of pulmonary stenosis. Twenty-six BPVs in 22 patients were divided into two groups: (A) those in which the balloon/pulmonary annulus ratio was 1.0 or less and (B) those in which the ratio was more than 1.0. In group A (which consisted of 9 BPVs), the mean ratio was 0.89 (range, 0.79 to 1.0, whereas in group B (which included 17 BPVs), the mean ratio was 1.32 (range, 1.01 to 1.69). The two groups had similar pre-BPV pulmonary valve (PV) gradients [93 +/- 41 (mean +/- SD) vs 103 +/- 40 mm Hg] (p > 0.1). Immediately after BPV, neither the absolute residual PV gradient (43 +/- 29 vs 37 +/- 21 mm Hg) nor the percentage of residual PV gradient (44 +/- 14 vs 36 +/- 17 percent) differed significantly (p > 0.1) from group to group. However, long-term follow-up (which ranged from 6 to 28 months, with a mean of 12 months), showed the residual PV gradient in group B (18 +/- 8 mm Hg) to be lower (p < 0.02) than that in group A (80 +/- 52 mm Hg). Similarly, the percentage of residual gradient (83 +/- 41 vs 20 +/- 10 percent) was also lower in group B. Repeat BPV was required in four patients from group A, but in none from group B. Although the immediate results of BPV are similar with either small or large balloons, balloons larger than the PV annulus appear to produce more sustained relief of pulmonary stenosis. Therefore, balloons larger than the PV annulus are recommended for pulmonary valvuloplasty.     

Balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty in the neonatal period. The clinical and echocardiographic effects

AIM: To analyze the efficacy of balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty (BPV) as the elective treatment for neonatal critical pulmonary valvar stenosis (PVS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The results of clinical and echocardiographic features before and after the BPV were reviewed in 29 neonates (18+/-12 days of life). Different hemodynamic and 2-D color Doppler echocardiographic were evaluated. The BPV result was classified as favourable if no other balloon or surgical therapy was required to normalise pulmonary flow and achieve a sustained right ventricle-pulmonary artery (RV-PA) Doppler gradient below 40 mmHg. It was considered unfavourable if the neonate died, needed surgery or redilation and/or the RV-PA Doppler gradient was > or =40 mm Hg. The study developed in three phases: pre BPV immediate post BPV until the hospital discharge (14+/-11 days), and in the mid-term follow-up of between 8 and 96 months (51+/-31 months). RESULTS: Mortality was not registered with BPV. The RV/left ventricular systolic pressure decreased from 1.4+/-0.3 to 0.8+/-0.3 (p<0.01) as a consequence of the dilation, and the the systemic oxygen saturation increased from 85 +/-12 to 92+/-6% (p<0.01). The RV-PA Doppler gradient diminished from 86+/-18 to 28+/-16 mm Hg immediately after BPV (p<0.01) and was registered at 13+/-6 mm Hg in the follow-up (n = 24). The RV-PA junction Z value grew from -1.25+/-0.9 before valvuloplasty to -0.51 +/-0.7 at the final echocardiogram (p<0.01). No changes in the tricuspid diameter were detected between both periods of time. Five neonates obtained unsatisfactory results: 4 in the immediate post BPV (systemic-pulmonary artery shunt 2, transannular patch 2), and 1 in the mid-term follow-up (valvectomy + transannular patch). The actuarial curve reflects that 82,7% of the patients were free form reinterventions at 8 years. CONCLUSIONS: BPV is safe and effective to relief PVS in the neonate. The balloon promotes advantageous changes in both, pulmonary annulus and the right ventricle. In addition, the RV-PA Doppler gradient observations in the follow-up, support the expectation that the BPV is a "curative" therapy.     

Intermediate-term results of balloon valvuloplasty for isolated and complicated pulmonary valve stenosis.

The purpose of this study is to report our experience regarding the acute and intermediate-term results of balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty (BPV) in various types of congenital pulmonary valve stenosis. Methods and Results: Twenty-four consecutive patients with a median age of 6.6 years (ranging from 1 month to 24 years old) underwent BPV between January 1988 and September 1991. These patients were divided into 2 groups; Group 1 consisting of 13 patients with isolated pulmonary valve stenosis, and Group 2 consisting of 11 patients with complicated pulmonary valve stenosis (supravalvular, subvalvular, valved conduit and post-right ventricular outflow reconstruction). Mean peak systolic pressure gradients from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery were as follows: In group 1, 48 +/- 21 (mean +/- SD) mmHg before BPV, 18 +/- 8 mmHg immediately after BPV and 13 +/- 5 mmHg at the longest follow-up based on catheterization or Doppler echocardiographic studies. The gradients in group 2 were 65 +/- 28 mmHg before BPV, 46 +/- 25 mmHg immediately after BPV and 47 +/- 21 mmHg at the longest follow-up. Conclusions: BPV provides both acute and intermediate-term gradient relief in patients with isolated pulmonary valve stenosis. In complicated pulmonary valve stenosis, on the other hand, the effect of BPV was unsatisfactory and appears to depend on the mechanism of associated obstruction. Therefore accurate evaluation of the anatomy of associated obstruction in the pulmonary valve region is needed to determine that BPV is indicated.     

Percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty of pulmonary stenosis in childhood: early hemodynamic results and long-term Doppler echocardiography results]

Pulmonary balloon valvuloplasty was performed in 35 children aged 3 days to 18 years (mean 4.5 years). Balloon/annulus ratio was 1.21 +/- 0.12. There were 6 infants less than 1 year of age (including 1 newborn), 4 with dysplastic valves and 4 with postoperative restenosis. Systolic transvalvular gradient showed a decrease of 69 +/- 14% from 68 +/- 15 mm Hg before to 21 +/- 11 mm Hg after dilatation (p less than 0.0001), and right ventricular pressure/systemic pressure ratio decreased from 0.8 +/- 0.29 to 0.4 +/- 0.15 (p less than 0.0001). Follow-up studies were performed in all patients up to 5 years (2.5 +/- 1.3 years) after dilatation. In 63% (22/35) follow-up period was more than 2 years (3.5 +/- 0.95 years). Doppler derived gradient had further decreased to 16 +/- 11 mm Hg (n.s.). Results in the 6 infants showed an immediate gradient relief of 71 +/- 11% from 85 +/- 4 mm Hg to 25 +/- 10 mm Hg (p less than 0.0001) with a further decrease to 20 +/- 10 mm Hg at follow-up. There were two early complications which had to be treated (tachycardia in WPW-syndrome, femoral vein dissection), no late complications were seen. The good immediate results and high persistent long-term success rate confirm balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty being the treatment of first choice for all patients in childhood.     

Intermediate-term outcome after pulmonary balloon valvuloplasty: comparison with a matched surgical control group.

To assess late (4 to 5 years) gradient reduction after pulmonary balloon valvuloplasty in childhood, and to compare the effectiveness of valvuloplasty with that of surgical valvotomy, 20 valvuloplasty-treated children and their age- and gradient-matched surgical control patients underwent prospective, noninvasive evaluation. The average age at intervention was 4.3 +/- 1 years for the valvuloplasty group versus 4.7 +/- 0.8 years for the surgical control group (p = NS). Before intervention the peak systolic pulmonary stenosis gradient was 76 +/- 5 and 74 +/- 4.4 mm Hg for the valvuloplasty and surgery groups, respectively (p = NS). Late evaluation consisted of clinical examination, two-dimensional echocardiogram and Doppler study, 24-hour Holter monitoring, 12-lead electrocardiogram, exercise treadmill study and chest radiograph performed an average of 5.3 +/- 0.3 years after valvuloplasty and 11.7 +/- 0.5 years after surgery (p less than 0.01). The patients treated with balloon valvuloplasty had no evidence of restenosis; the residual pulmonary stenosis gradient at follow-up was 24 +/- 2.7 mm Hg (range 8 to 48) versus 35 +/- 3.6 mm Hg (range 19 to 70) immediately after valvuloplasty (p = NS). Comparison of the late residual gradients between treatment groups showed no hemodynamically significant difference (24 +/- 2.7 versus 16 +/- 1.5 mm Hg, balloon versus surgery; p less than 0.01). However, there was, a significant difference in the degree and severity of pulmonary valve insufficiency and ventricular ectopic activity between groups. In the balloon valvuloplasty group 11 patients had no pulmonary insufficiency, and the remaining 9 had mild insufficiency.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiographic evaluation after arterial switch repair in infancy for complete transposition of the great arteries

The most recent postoperative echocardiographic examinations of all children who underwent arterial switch repair of transposition of the great arteries from August 1985 to December 1987 were reviewed. The patients included 35 children whose age at operation was 12 +/- 16 days and whose weight was 3.6 +/- 0.4 kg. Thirty-three patients are alive and well; 1 died intraoperatively and 1 died immediately postoperatively. The time of the follow-up echocardiographic examination ranged from 1 day to 2.5 years (mean 9.2 months) with 11 patients examined greater than 1 year after surgery. Complete examination of the repair site was possible in all patients. Echocardiographic visualization of distortion of the great arteries at the suture lines was seen in all patients; however, Doppler evidence of hemodynamically significant obstruction at the repair site was uncommon. On Doppler examination in the surviving 33 patients, 16 had no supravalvular pulmonary stenosis and 14 had mild to moderate supravalvular pulmonary stenosis with peak systolic pressure gradients ranging from 16 to 56 mm Hg (mean 31). Three patients had severe supravalvular pulmonary stenosis and peak systolic pressure gradients of 66, 74 and 77 mm Hg (2 have had reoperation, 1 is awaiting surgery). On Doppler examination, 4 patients had mild supravalvular aortic stenosis with peak systolic gradients ranging from 10 to 29 mm Hg. Doppler gradients were confirmed in 10 patients who had catheterization 12 +/- 3 months after surgery. Three patients had mild pulmonary regurgitation by Doppler examination, 5 had mild aortic regurgitation, 4 had mild tricuspid regurgitation and 2 had mild mitral regurgitation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty: results of the Valvuloplasty and Angioplasty of Congenital Anomalies Registry

Eight hundred twenty-two balloon pulmonary valvuloplasties were reported to the Valvuloplasty and Angioplasty of Congenital Anomalies Registry. Before and after systolic outflow gradients were recorded in 784 valvuloplasties, and the gradient decreased from 71 +/- 33 to 28 +/- 21 mm Hg. The sites of residual obstructions could be ascertained in 196 patients. In these, the total systolic outflow gradients decreased from 85 +/- 41 mm Hg to 33 +/- 27 mm Hg. Of this total residual gradient, 16 +/- 15 mm Hg was transvalvar and 18 +/- 24 mm Hg was infundibular. The degree to which infundibular obstruction subsequently resolved was not determined in this study. The procedure was less effective in reducing outflow gradients in patients with dysplastic valves with or without Noonan's syndrome. There were 5 major complications (0.6%), including 2 deaths (0.2%), a cardiac perforation with tamponade (0.1%) and 2 tricuspid insufficiencies (0.2%). There were 11 minor complications (1.3%) and 21 incidents (2.6%). The incidence of major complications, minor complications and incidents was inversely related to age; it was substantially higher in infants and, in particular, neonates. Balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty is a safe and effective method of lowering pulmonary outflow gradients in infants, children and adults. Small transvalvar and varied infundibular gradients commonly are present at the end of the procedure. Assessing the full effect of the procedure requires intermediate-term follow-up and assessing the duration of relief requires long-term follow-up.     

Results of balloon valvuloplasty in the treatment of congenital valvar pulmonary stenosis in children

Transluminal balloon valvuloplasty was used in the treatment of congenital valvar pulmonary stenosis in 19 children, aged 5 months to 18 years. The right ventricular (RV) systolic pressure and RV outflow tract gradient decreased significantly immediately after the procedure (95 +/- 29 vs 59 +/- 14 mm Hg, p less than 0.01, and 78 +/- 27 vs 38 +/- 13 mm Hg, p less than 0.01). Seven of these patients were evaluated at cardiac catheterization 1 year after balloon valvuloplasty. No significant change occurred in RV systolic pressure or RV outflow tract gradient at follow-up evaluation compared with measurements immediately after balloon valvuloplasty (60 +/- 5 mm Hg vs 56 +/- 12 mm Hg and 39 +/- 5 vs 38 +/- 10 mm Hg). In addition, follow-up evaluation was performed using noninvasive methods and included electrocardiography (n = 13), vectorcardiography (n = 11) and Doppler echocardiography (n = 11) Doppler echocardiography in 11 patients 15 +/- 9 months after balloon valvuloplasty showed a continued beneficial effect with a mild further decrease in RV outflow tract gradient. Thus, balloon valvuloplasty is effective in the relief of pulmonary stenosis.     

Balloon angioplasty for recurrent coarctation of aorta. Immediate and long-term results.

BACKGROUND. As angioplasty techniques have been refined and larger low-profile balloons developed, a nonsurgical approach to recoarctation has become available. Several reports have documented both the efficacy and safety of this procedure. However, there are little data available on the long-term follow-up of these patients. This report details the initial results and long-term evaluation of both the relief of obstruction and the presence of hypertension after balloon angioplasty for recurrent coarctation. METHODS AND RESULTS. Balloon angioplasty for recurrent coarctation of the aorta was performed 29 times in 26 patients at a median age of 4 years and 9 months (range, 4 months to 29 years), with eight patients less than 1 year old. Initial surgical techniques were end-to-end anastomosis in 11 patients, subclavian flap aortoplasty in 11 patients, and patch aortoplasty in four patients. Angioplasty was performed at a median interval of 2 years and 7 months (range, 4 months to 23 years) after surgery. Mean peak systolic pressure difference across the coarctation decreased from 40.0 +/- 16.8 to 10.3 +/- 9.5 mm Hg (p less than 0.05) after the initial angioplasty, and mean diameter of the aortic lumen at the coarctation site increased from 5.8 +/- 3.5 to 9.0 +/- 4.3 mm (p less than 0.05). There was no mortality, and only one patient developed an aneurysm (4%). Three patients underwent repeat angioplasty for a pressure difference of more than 20 mm Hg. Long-term follow-up is available on 24 of 26 patients with a mean follow-up of 42 +/- 24 months (range, 12-88 months). Mean peak systolic pressure difference across the area of coarctation decreased from 40.3 +/- 17.4 before angioplasty to 8.5 +/- 8.3 mm Hg after final angioplasty (p less than 0.05) and 7.5 +/- 7.5 mm Hg at follow-up. Mean peak systolic blood pressure in the upper extremities decreased from 133.1 +/- 14.9 before angioplasty to 111.1 +/- 14.1 mm Hg at long-term follow-up (p less than 0.05). CONCLUSIONS. Balloon angioplasty should be considered the treatment of choice for relief of recurrent aortic coarctation.     

Clinical and Doppler echocardiographic follow-up after percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty for aortic valve stenosis

Percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty has been shown to increase the aortic orifice area and to improve clinical symptoms. However, there are only few data concerning long-term results after balloon valvuloplasty. In this study, 36 patients (11 men, 25 women, mean age 75 +/- 8 years) were followed after balloon valvuloplasty for a period of up to 18 months by means of clinical parameters and repeated Doppler echocardiographic measurements after 1, 3, 6, 12 and 18 months. Invasive measurements revealed a decrease of the systolic peak gradient from 78 +/- 24 to 38 +/- 13 mm Hg (p less than 0.001), and an increase in the aortic orifice area from 0.58 +/- 0.23 to 0.93 +/- 0.2 cm2 (p less than 0.001). The Doppler echocardiographic approach revealed that the maximal instantaneous gradient decreased from 96 +/- 26 to 67 +/- 22 mm Hg (p less than 0.001). The aortic orifice area increased from 0.49 +/- 0.16 to 0.73 +/- 0.21 cm2 (p less than 0.001). Three patients (8%) died in the hospital. After hospital discharge, 16 patients (44%) died and 8 patients (22%) underwent successful aortic valve replacement after a mean follow-up of 8 +/- 6 months. Nine patients (25%) were alive after a follow-up period of 18 months. Seven of these (19%) remained clinically improved. During follow-up, the Doppler echocardiographic results revealed a continuous trend toward the preprocedural severity of the aortic valve stenosis. Progression of restenosis assessed by Doppler echocardiographic measurements was accelerated in the group of patients who subsequently died or underwent repeat balloon valvuloplasty or aortic valve replacement.     

Echocardiographic follow-up study of the Ross procedure in older versus younger patients

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to determine echocardiographic follow-up results of the Ross procedure in older adult patients with aortic valve disease. BACKGROUND: The excellent long-term results of the Ross procedure from several institutions have indicated that the pulmonary autograft may be the best available substitute for the diseased aortic valve in children and adolescents. The advantages of this operation include optimal hemodynamics and elimination of thromboembolic complications. These features may benefit older adult patients as well. METHODS: We reviewed data from 49 consecutive patients who had a Ross procedure between 1991 and 1996. Preoperative and postoperative Doppler echocardiographic studies were available for 44 patients (22 men, 22 women; mean [+/-SD] age 36 +/- 14 years) who were grouped into <40 (n = 25) and > or =40 years old (n = 19). Measurements included left ventricular diastolic volume (LVDV), mass, and ejection fraction (EF); a peak pressure gradient across autograft in the aortic position and homograft in the pulmonary position; and valvular regurgitation. RESULTS: The mean length of echocardiographic follow-up was 36 +/- 16 months. Postoperatively, there was a reduction in LVDV and left ventricular mass in both age groups: 153 +/- 99 mL to 111 +/- 72 mL (P =.015) and 210 +/- 93 g to 152 +/- 54 g (P =.002) for younger patients, 174 +/- 115 mL to 126 +/- 43 mL (P =.17) and 233 +/- 71 g to 215 +/- 65 g (P =.19) for older patients. No significant change in EF was noted in the younger age group. However, in the older age group a significant decrease to EF <25% was found in 2 patients 1 year after surgery. Moderate autograft regurgitation was also detected in 2 patients: 1 in each age group. Pressure gradients across the autograft remained within the normal range in both age groups. Two younger patients had severe homograft stenosis with peak gradients of 100 and 62 mm Hg. The older patients did not demonstrate homograft dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: The Ross procedure can be performed in selected older adults with aortic valve disease and provides durable valves in both aortic and pulmonic positions for at least 3 years after surgery but may result in less favorable left ventricular remodeling compared with that in the younger patients. Further follow-up will be necessary to determine the long-term outcome of the Ross procedure in this older adult patient population.     

Analysis of the early rise in aortic transvalvular gradient after aortic valvuloplasty

The relationship between dynamic changes in aortic valve gradient and left ventricular ejection performance in the early period after successful percutaneous aortic valvuloplasty has not been described in detail. Accordingly 20 adult patients with severe symptomatic calcific aortic stenosis underwent first-pass radionuclide angiography and Doppler echocardiography before, immediately after, and 2 to 4 days after the valvuloplasty procedure. A significant (p less than 0.001) reduction in peak-to-peak (72 +/- 24 mm Hg to 36 +/- 11 mmHg) and mean (60 +/- 20 mm Hg to 34 +/- 9 mm Hg) transaortic gradient and an increase in aortic valve area (0.5 +/- 0.2 cm2 to 0.8 +/- 0.2 cm2) were measured by high-fidelity micromanometer catheters immediately after aortic valvuloplasty. Results of Doppler echocardiography showed a significant (p less than 0.001) immediate decrease in peak instantaneous (81 +/- 22 mm Hg to 53 +/- 15 mm Hg) and mean (48 +/- 14 mm Hg to 31 +/- 9 mm Hg) aortic gradients. However, 2 to 4 days later a significant (p less than 0.001) return of peak (56 +/- 15 mm Hg to 65 +/- 20 mm Hg) and mean (31 +/- 9 mm Hg to 39 +/- 12 mm Hg) transvalvular gradient occurred. Aortic valve area as determined by the continuity equation also increased from 0.4 +/- 0.2 cm2 to 0.6 +/- 0.2 cm2 immediately after the procedure (p less than 0.001), then partially returned to baseline (0.5 +/- 0.2 cm2; p less than 0.005) at 2 to 4 days.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Short- and midterm results of balloon valvuloplasty for valvular aortic stenosis in children.

During a 27-month period, 21 consecutive children (aged 0.1 to 15.7 years) with isolated valvular aortic stenosis underwent percutaneous transfemoral balloon valvuloplasty. Ten children had undergone earlier surgical valvulotomy. The indication for treatment was ST-T-segment changes at rest or during bicycle-ergometry, a continuous-wave Doppler-derived transvalvular gradient greater than 60 mm Hg or syncope, or a combination. Mean peak systolic left ventricular pressure decreased from 165 +/- 19 to 131 +/- 19 mm Hg (p less than 0.001). Mean end-diastolic left ventricular pressure did not change significantly (12 +/- 3 vs 11 +/- 5 mm Hg). Mean peak systolic valve gradient decreased from 71 +/- 23 to 22 +/- 11 mm Hg (p less than 0.001). Mean cardiac index remained unchanged (2.9 +/- 0.8 vs. 3.0 +/- 0.7 liters.min-1.m-2). Aortic valve regurgitation on angiography appeared or increased in 9 patients (up to grade 3 in 3 children). Noninvasive follow-up studies were performed for 2 to 4.2 years (mean 2.8). ST-T changes on the electrocardiogram at rest or during exercise were present in 6 patients before balloon valvuloplasty and had disappeared in all at 6-month follow-up. Reoccurrence of ST-T changes after a longer follow-up was associated with severe valve regurgitation. Syncope was not observed after balloon valvuloplasty. The continuous-wave Doppler gradient decreased from 94 +/- 36 to 49 +/- 15 mm Hg (p less than 0.001). After a follow-up of 2 to 4.2 years (mean 2.8) it remained unchanged (43 +/- 13 mm Hg; p = not significant).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Accuracy of continuous wave Doppler predicted gradient in patients undergoing balloon pulmonary valvoplasty

14 patients who underwent balloon valvoplasty had trans-pulmonic gradient evaluated by continuous wave Doppler echocardiography. Maximum systolic gradients measured from Doppler flow velocities were correlated with peak to peak gradient obtained at cardiac catheterisation. Prior to valvoplasty, there was good correlation between the Doppler maximum gradient (92.85 +/- 34.7mm Hg) and the peak to peak catheter gradient (105.57 +/- 56.60 mm Hg), (r = 0.91, p = less than 0.001). Immediately after balloon valvoplasty, the maximum Doppler gradient did not correlate with the peak to peak catheter gradient (r = 0.33, p = NS). Exclusion of patients with infundibular gradients improved the correlation coefficient between the Doppler maximum and peak to peak catheter gradient to 0.69. At late restudy following valvoplasty, when regression of infundibular stenosis was noted in 6 out of 8 patients, the Doppler maximum and catheter peak to peak gradient had excellent correlation (r = 0.97, p = less than 0.001). In patients with lone valvular gradient immediately following valvoplasty and at late restudy, maximum Doppler gradients correlated well with catheter gradients in 14 estimations (r = 0.66, p = less than 0.01). This study shows that the non-invasive quantification of pulmonary valve stenosis can be reliably undertaken, using continuous wave Doppler echocardiography before balloon valvoplasty and during follow-up, after the procedure when the infundibular stenosis has regressed. The presence of an infundibular gradient immediately after balloon dilatation makes the Doppler prediction less reliable.     

Balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty in the management of cyanotic congenital heart defects.

Twenty-three children with cyanotic congenital heart defects, aged 3 days to 11.5 years, weighing 2.9 to 30 kg, underwent percutaneous balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty to improve pulmonary oligemia. The patients were divided into two groups: group I with intact ventricular septum and group II with ventricular septal defect. In 12 group I patients, there was an increase of systemic arterial oxygen saturation [83 +/- 8% (mean +/- SD) vs. 94 +/- 5%, P less than 0.001] and pulmonary-to-systemic flow ratio (0.7 +/- 0.1 vs. 1.0 +/- 0.2, P less than 0.001). Peak systolic pressure gradient across the pulmonary valve decreased (P less than 0.001) from 105 +/- 48 to 25 +/- 18 mm Hg. In 11 group II patients, arterial oxygen saturation (67 +/- 13 vs. 83 +/- 13%, P less than 0.01) and pulmonary-to-systemic flow ratio (0.7 +/- 0.4 vs. 1.2 +/- 0.5, P less than 0.02) increased following valvuloplasty. Peak systolic pressure gradient across the pulmonic valve (52 +/- 16 vs. 32 +/- 22 mm Hg, P less than 0.05) decreased while infundibular and total pulmonary outflow tract gradients were unchanged (P greater than 0.1). Immediate surgical intervention was avoided in all cases in both groups. On follow-up, 1 to 36 months after valvuloplasty, arterial oxygen saturation, pulmonary-to-systemic flow ratio, and pulmonary valve gradients remain improved in both groups. However, in group I, repeat balloon valvuloplasty was required in two children. In group II, six children with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) underwent successful total surgical correction 4 months to 2 years after valvuloplasty.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Determinants of hemodynamic results of balloon dilation of aortic recoarctation.

Between October 1982 and May 1990, balloon dilation of aortic recoarctation was attempted in 27 patients. In 1 case dilation was not performed owing to suspected aortic perforation. The remaining 26 patients had 30 procedures. The age at the first dilation ranged between 2.6 months and 18.3 years. After dilation, systolic gradient decreased from 49 +/- 17 mm Hg to 20 +/- 17 mm Hg (p less than 0.001). A reduction of gradient to less than or equal to 20 mm Hg occurred after the first dilation in 17 of 26 (65%) patients. Residual gradients between 25 and 80 mm Hg were present in the remaining 9 patients. During follow-up of 2 months to 6.7 years, 5 of 17 patients with a good initial result developed further recoarctation (2 had successful redilation, 2 had reoperation, and 1 is awaiting repeat dilation). Of 9 patients with gradients greater than 20 mm Hg after the first dilation, 1 had successful redilation and 3 had reoperation. The remaining 5 patients are being managed conservatively. 2 patients developed aneurysms after dilation (1 immediately and the other at 2 months). In all, 15 patients (58%) had a good, and 11 (42%) a poor late hemodynamic result. Aortic diameters at different levels of the aortic arch and at the reconstructed isthmus (normalized to the aorta at the level of the diaphragm) were significantly higher in the group with a good late result than in that with a poor one. Balloon/aortic diameter ratio at diaphragm level also had a significant influence on the late results.     

Lung function and pulmonary regurgitation limit exercise capacity in postoperative tetralogy of Fallot

Fifty-five patients with repair of tetralogy of Fallot were evaluated with treadmill exercise, pulmonary function testing and rest two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography to determine the relation among cardiopulmonary function, exercise capacity and ventricular arrhythmias. The mean age at repair was 8.1 +/- 2.1 years; age at the time of study ranged from 15 to 37 years (mean follow-up time after repair 18 +/- 5 years). Exercise duration was 92 +/- 17% of predicted. Maximal heart rate was 94 +/- 7% of predicted. No exercise test was stopped because of an arrhythmia. Thirty patients had oxygen consumption and ventilation measured during their final minute of exercise. Peak oxygen consumption was 31 +/- 8 ml/kg per min (86 +/- 18% of predicted). Twenty-five patients (45%) had low vital capacity at rest (less than 80% of predicted). Pulmonary regurgitation was identified in 42 (75%) of the patients and judged to be moderate in 10 (18%). Mild tricuspid valve regurgitation was identified in 64%. Doppler estimated right ventricular outflow gradient was greater than 15 mm Hg in 15% of the patients (mean gradient 24 mm Hg [range 16 to 56]). Age at repair, duration of follow-up and type of repair did not correlate with echocardiographic variables, ventilatory data, exercise performance or arrhythmias. Moderate pulmonary regurgitation was associated with increased right ventricular diastolic area and both were inversely related to exercise duration and vital capacity. Decreased breathing reserve during maximal exercise was associated with moderate pulmonary regurgitation and decreased vital capacity. The results indicate that exercise capacity in these patients is in general good; however, right ventricular volume loading and ventilatory dysfunction may produce exercise limitation.     

Balloon valvuloplasty for pulmonary valvular stenosis: a long-term follow-up study using pulsed Doppler echocardiography

From June 1984 to March 1987, percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty (PBV) was performed for 22 patients with congenital pulmonary valvular stenosis. It was successful for 20 patients, and there were significant decreases of transvalvular pressure gradients; 72 +/- 30 mmHg before PBV, and 30 +/- 12 mmHg immediately after PBV (p less than 0.001). In a follow-up study, pulsed Doppler echocardiography and cardiac catheterization were used to examine changes in long-term hemodynamic findings after PBV. One year follow-up evaluation was performed for 14 patients, and two year follow-ups for seven patients. One year after PBV the transvalvular pressure gradients were evaluated during cardiac catheterization in 11 patients, and using pulsed Doppler echocardiography in the remaining three patients. The gradients of the seven patients at two year intervals after PBV were evaluated using pulsed Doppler echocardiography. The pressure gradients of two patients improved further one year later due to the anatomical degradation in the right ventricular outflow tracts. For seven patients, two year follow-up evaluations were performed, and the transvalvular pressure gradient reduced from 84 +/- 23 to 33 +/- 15 mmHg (p less than 0.001) immediately afterwards; to 27 +/- 22 mmHg (p less than 0.01) one year later; and further to 12 +/- 5 mmHg (p less than 0.001) two years after PBV. Second PBV was performed for three patients in whom a residual gradient was recognized, with the good results. On auscultation, a pulmonary regurgitant murmur was recognized in 28% of 18 patients immediately after PBV, but 80% of this resolved one year later. Two patients had pulmonary regurgitation with pulmonary valvular stenosis before PBV.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)