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Objective: To demonstrate the capabilities of modern imaging modalities in diagnosis of Bland-White-Garland (BWG) syndrome (anomalous origin of the left coronary artery [AOLCA] from the pulmonary trunk) and surgical planning in a 7-year-old child.Materials and methods: We report a case of 7-year-old patient S. with a newly diagnosed complex congenital heart defect: AOLCA from the pulmonary trunk. To establish a diagnosis and assess the spatial anatomy of great vessels and the coronary bed, the patient underwent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA), and conventional coronary angiography. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with delayed contrast enhancement was used to assess the morphological and functional parameters of the heart and fibrotic changes in the myocardium of the left ventricle (LV).Results: During TTE, a congenital heart defect was suspected: a coronary artery anomaly with LV systolic dysfunction and coronaryright ventricular fistulas. Preoperative CCTA detected AOLCA from the pulmonary trunk or BWG syndrome, whereas coronary-right ventricular fistulas were not confirmed. Based on the cardiac MRI findings, we diagnosed diffuse LV myocardial fibrosis (increased extracellular volume, 35%-37% in all segments) with areas of delayed intramyocardial accumulation, areas of focal fibrosis without signs of myocardial edema. The CCTA findings were confirmed by conventional coronary angiography and intraoperatively.Discussion: The technical capabilities of modern minimally invasive cardiac imaging modalities make it possible to determine all existing surgical risks at the preoperative stage and further prognosis in patients undergoing reimplantation for coronary artery anomalies.Conclusions: The algorithm for management of patients with suspected BWG syndrome should be determined based on the capabilities and safety of each cardiac imaging modality. Detailed and accurate assessment of coronary anatomy is a key criterion for choosing a diagnostic tool at the preoperative stage in patients undergoing reimplantation of coronary arteries. Preoperative cardiac MRI with assessment of severity of fibrotic changes in the myocardium should be used to plan management of patients with BWG syndrome and further control dynamics of morphological and functional parameters of the heart after reimplantation of coronary arteries.

Aim: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has primarily affected the respiratory system since its first emergence in China. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the possible effects of this disease on pulmonary vessels and aortic diameter and the relationship between these vessels and lung volumes as it affects lung capacity. Materials and Methods: In our study, the diameter of the pulmonary trunk (PT) at its origin and at the point where it divides into two, the diameters of the right and left pulmonary arteries, the diameters of the ascending aorta, aortic arch, descending aorta, and lung volumes were evaluated. Computed tomography (CT) images of 30 patients (18 men, 12 women) were obtained retrospectively, and the first measurement was performed on thorax CT images at Stage 1 (days 0-4) and the second measurement was performed on thorax CT images at Stage 6 (>day 28). Results: We found a statistically significant difference in pulmonary artery and aortic diameters between Stage 1 and Stage 6 images due to the progression of COVID-19 disease (p

A 18-months-old male child diagnosed with anomalous origin of left coronary artery from the left posterior pulmonary sinus underwent the modification of the "trapdoor" technique, wherein the anomalous left coronary artery was detached from the pulmonary arterial sinus, and combined aortic and pulmonary arterial flaps were used to augment its length. The postoperative recovery was uneventful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Growth differentiation factor (GDF)-15 is linked to inflammation, cancer, and atherosclerosis. GDF-15 is expressed in most tissues but is extremely induced under pathological conditions. Elevated serum levels are suggested as a risk factor and a marker for cardiovascular diseases. However, the cellular sources and the effects of GDF-15 on the cardiovascular system have not been completely elucidated including progression, and morphology of atherosclerotic plaques. Thus, this work aimed to characterize the influence of GDF-15 deficiency on the morphology of atherosclerotic plaques in blood vessels with low-oxygen blood and low blood pressure as the pulmonary trunk (PT), in hypercholesterolemic ApoE-/- mice.Methods: GDF-15-/- ApoE-/- mice were generated by crossbreeding of ApoE-/-- and GDF-15-/- mice. After feeding a cholesterol-enriched diet (CED) for 20 weeks, samples of the brachiocephalic trunk (BT) and PT were dissected and lumen stenosis (LS) was measured. Furthermore, changes in the cellularity of the PT, amounts of apoptosis-, autophagy-, inflammation- and proliferation-relevant proteins were immunohisto-morphometrically analyzed. Additionally, we examined an atherosclerotic plaque in a human post mortem sample of the pulmonary artery.Results: After CED the body weight of GDF-15-/-ApoE-/- was 22.9% higher than ApoE-/-. Double knockout mice showed also an 35.3% increase of plasma triglyceride levels, whereas plasma cholesterol was similar in both genotypes. LS in the BT and PT of GDF-15-/-ApoE-/- mice was significantly reduced by 19.0% and by 6.7% compared to ApoE-/-. Comparing LS in PT and BT of the same genotype revealed a significant 38.8% (ApoE-/-) or 26.4% (GDF-15-/-ApoE-/-) lower LS in the PT. Immunohistomorphometry of atherosclerotic lesions in PT of GDF-15-/-ApoE-/- revealed significantly increased levels (39.8% and 7.3%) of CD68 + macrophages (MΦ) and α-actin + smooth muscle cells than in ApoE-/-. The density of TUNEL + , apoptotic cells was significantly (32.9%) higher in plaques of PT of GDF-15-/-ApoE-/- than in ApoE-/-. Analysis of atherosclerotic lesion of a human pulmonary artery showed sm-α-actin, CD68+, TUNEL+, Ki67+, and APG5L/ATG+ cells as observed in PT. COX-2+ and IL-6+ immunoreactivities were predominantly located in endothelial cells and subendothelial space. In BT and PT of GDF15-/-ApoE-/- mice the necrotic area was 10% and 6.5% lower than in ApoE-/-. In BT and PT of GDF15-/-ApoE-/- we found 40% and 57% less unstable plaques than ApoE-/- mice.Conclusions: Atherosclerotic lesions occur in both, BT and PT, however, the size is smaller in PT, possibly due to the effect of the low-oxygen blood and/or lower blood pressure. GDF-15 is involved in atherosclerotic processes in BT and PT, although different mechanisms (e.g. apoptosis) in these two vessels seem to exist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Catheter ablation of right ventricular outflow tract ventricular arrhythmias from above the pulmonary valve is being increasingly reported. Objective: The purpose of this study was to systematically analyze the spatial relationship between the pulmonary trunk and the left coronaries. Methods: Contrast-enhanced computed tomographic scans from 58 patients were analyzed. After segmentation of the pulmonary trunk and the proximal left coronaries, 3-dimensional geometries were generated. Minimal distance between the pulmonary trunk and the coronaries was automatically determined using a newly developed mathematical algorithm. Results: The minimal distance between the pulmonary trunk and the coronaries was 1.4 ± 0.11 mm. Closest relationship was detected 13.8 ± 0.87 mm above the pulmonary valve annulus. Considering a safety margin of 5 mm to render coronary damage unlikely, 84% of patients were found to be at potential risk within the bottom 10 mm of the left sinus cusp. In contrast, positions within or above the right and anterior cusps were less likely to exhibit a close relationship. We identified the anterior aspect of the left cusp as the most critical region. Positions 10–20 mm above the left cusp were found to be critical in 97% of patients. Clinical parameters such as gender, age, height, weight, and body mass index were not predictive of a close spatial relationship. Conclusion: Our data provide evidence for a close spatial relationship between the pulmonary trunk and coronary arteries. These results should be considered when performing catheter ablation from above the pulmonary valve.

West Highland white terriers (WHWTs) affected with canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (CIPF) are at risk of developing precapillary pulmonary hypertension (PH). In humans, thoracic computed tomography angiography (CTA) is commonly used to diagnose and monitor patients with lower airway diseases. In such patients, CTA helps to identify comorbidities, such as PH, that could negatively impact prognosis. Diameter of the pulmonary trunk (PT), pulmonary trunk-to-aorta ratio (PT/Ao), and right ventricle-to-left ventricle ratio (RV/LV) are CTA parameters commonly used to assess the presence of PH. Pulmonary vein-to-right pulmonary artery ratio (PV/PA) is a new echocardiographic parameter that can be used in dogs to diagnose PH. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the use of various CTA parameters to diagnose PH. An additional aim was to evaluate the correlation of RV/LV measurements between different CTA planes. CTA and echocardiography were prospectively performed on a total of 47 WHWTs; 22 affected with CIPF and 25 presumed healthy control dogs. Dogs were considered to have PH if pulmonary vein-to-right pulmonary artery ratio (PV/PA) measured on 2D-mode echocardiography was less than to 0.7. WHWTs affected with CIPF had higher PT/Ao compared with control patients. In WHWTs affected with CIPF, PT size was larger in dogs with PH (15.4 mm) compared with dogs without PH (13 mm, p = 0.003). A cutoff value of 13.8 mm predicted PH in WHWTs affected with CIPF with a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 87% (AUC = 0.93). High correlations were observed between the different CTA planes of RV/LV. Results suggest that diameter of the PT measured by CTA can be used to diagnose PH in WHWTs with CIPF.

Purpose: Severe COVID-19 is associated with inflammation, thromboembolic disease, and high mortality. We studied factors associated with fatal outcomes in consecutive COVID-19 patients examined by computed tomography pulmonary angiogram (CTPA).Methods: This retrospective, single-center cohort analysis included 130 PCR-positive patients hospitalized for COVID-19 [35 women and 95 men, median age 57 years (interquartile range 51–64)] with suspected pulmonary embolism based on clinical suspicion. The presence and extent of embolism and parenchymal abnormalities on CTPA were recorded. The severity of pulmonary parenchymal involvement was stratified by two experienced radiologists into two groups: lesions affecting ≤50% or >50% of the parenchyma. Patient characteristics, radiological aspects, laboratory parameters, and 60-day mortality data were collected.Results: Pulmonary embolism was present in 26% of the patients. Most emboli were small and peripheral. Patients with widespread parenchymal abnormalities, with or without pulmonary embolism, had increased main pulmonary artery diameter (p < 0.05) and higher C-reactive protein (p < 0.01), D-dimer (p < 0.01), and troponin T (p < 0.001) and lower hemoglobin (p < 0.001). A wider main pulmonary artery diameter correlated positively with C-reactive protein (r = 0.28, p = 0.001, and n = 130) and procalcitonin. In a multivariant analysis, D-dimer >7.2 mg/L [odds ratio (±95% confidence interval) 4.1 (1.4–12.0)] and ICU stay were significantly associated with embolism (p < 0.001). The highest 60-day mortality was found in patients with widespread parenchymal abnormalities combined with pulmonary embolism (36%), followed by patients with widespread parenchymal abnormalities without pulmonary embolism (26%). In multivariate analysis, high troponin T, D-dimer, and plasma creatinine and widespread parenchymal abnormalities on CT were associated with 60-day mortality.Conclusions: Pulmonary embolism combined with widespread parenchymal abnormalities contributed to mortality risk in COVID-19. Elevated C-reactive protein, D-dimer, troponin-T, P-creatinine, and enlarged pulmonary artery were associated with a worse outcome and may mirror a more severe systemic disease. A liberal approach to radiological investigation should be recommended at clinical deterioration, when the situation allows it. Computed tomography imaging, even without intravenous contrast to assess the severity of pulmonary infiltrates, are of value to predict outcome in COVID-19. Better radiological techniques with higher resolution could potentially improve the detection of microthromboses. This could influence anticoagulant treatment strategies, preventing clinical detoriation.

Purpose: Previous studies have shown a correlation between axial pulmonary trunk diameter (PTD) on chest computed tomography (CT) and pulmonary artery pressure. However, it is not known whether the PTD slices measured on chest CT have been recorded during the systolic or diastolic phase. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the variations in PTD during the cardiac cycle by measuring coronary CT angiography (CCTA) images. Methods: A retrospective analysis was made of 101 patients who underwent CCTA for coronary artery disease assessment. CCTA images were reconstructed during a full cardiac cycle and measurements were taken of the systolic and diastolic PTD and ascending aorta diameter (AAD) from the same slice by two independent observers. Results: Inter-observer agreement was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.99) for all CT measurements. The mean systolic PTD of all patients was 26.3 ± 3.6 mm and the mean diastolic PTD was 22.8 ± 3.2 mm (p < 0.001). The mean difference between systole and diastole was found to be 3.5 ± 1.2 mm for PTD, 1.2 ± 0.7 mm for AAD, and 0.1 ± 0.04 for the PTD/AAD ratio (p values < 0.001). There was no statistical significance of PTD variations according to gender, age, height, weight, body mass index, and body surface area. Conclusion: When an increased PTD is detected in a chest CT compared to normal limits or a previous CT scan, this may be the result of the variation in PTD due to the cardiac cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The ratio of the diameter of pulmonary trunk (PT) to the diameter of the ascending aorta (AA) is used to evaluate cardiopulmonary diseases. Different values have been reported for the normal value of PT:AA ratio (to be less than 0.9, 1 or 1.4). In this study, we aimed to investigate the diameters of the PT, right (RPA) and left pulmonary artery (LPA), AA, right (RMB) and left main bronchus LMB) using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and to determine reference values for PT:AA according to age and sex in normal healthy adults. Methods: Thoracic CT images of 200 individuals, (103 males, 97 females; age 18-89 years), without cardiopulmonary pathology and surgery, were retrospectively evaluated using MDCT. Diameters of PT, RPA, LPA, AA were measured at the level of the pulmonary artery bifurcationand PT:AA ratio was calculated. Results: The mean diameters of PT, AA, RPA, LPA, RMB, LMB were found as 2.7±0.51 cm, 3.25±0.63 cm, 1.98±0.46 cm, 1.81±0.43 cm, 1.73±0.35 cm, and 1.66±0.55 cm, respectively. The mean value of PT:AA ratio was 0.84±0.18 cm in males and 0.86±0.13 cm in females. . Conclusion: Determining the normal values of related measurements will contribute to diagnosis and treatment of cardiopulmonary diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To study efficacy and safety of denervation of the trunk and pulmonary arteries (PADN procedure) in patients with surgical correction of the mitral valve against a high degree of pulmonary hypertension compared to those of the isolated correction of mitral valve disease.Materials and methods: Placement of a mechanical mitral valve prosthesis and radiofrequency ablation Maze IV with Atri Cure ablator was performed in 39 patients with a mitral valve disease and high pulmonary hypertension (> 40 mm Hg) and atrial fibrillation. From those, 8 patients (main group) had additional circular denervation of the ganglionic plexus of the pulmonary trunk and orifice (PADN) with a radiofrequency bipolar Atri Cure ablator under the control of transmurality.Results: All patients who had underwent surgery showed positive changes of the echocardiographic parameters, such as a decrease in the heart cavities sizes, degree of pulmonary hypertension, and an improvement in the systolic function of the left ventricle. There were no deaths, as well as specific complications related to the PADN procedure. In the main group of patients (n = 8), pulmonary hypertension decreased from 56.3 ± 5.4 mm Hg to 23.4 ± 2.7 mm Hg at day 1, to 24.3 ± 3.1 mm Hg at day 7, and to 23.7 ± 3.8 mm Hg at 1 month after the PADN procedure. At day 1, the target levels of pulmonary hypertension were achieved in 87.5% (7/8) of patients in the main study group and in 25.8% (8/31) of patients in the control group (p = 0.001). At day 7, the corresponding values were 75% (6/8) and 32.3% (10/31), respectively. Better results in the main study group were observed throughout the whole follow-up period (up to 2 months).Conclusion: The circular PADN procedure using a radio frequency bipolar ablator under the control of transmurality is an effective and safe method to correct a high-degree pulmonary hypertension. Further studies on the effectiveness of this procedure in larger patient numbers and assessment of long-term results are necessary.

Pulmonary valve stenosis (PS) is one of the most commonly diagnosed congenital heart defects in dogs. Currently, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is the standard modality used to evaluate PS. Image acquisition by TTE can be challenging in some brachycephalic breeds of dogs. The use of echocardiographic‐gated CT angiography (ECG‐gated CTA) in veterinary medicine is limited. This retrospective method comparison study investigated right and left ventricular outflow diameters by sedated ECG‐gated CTA and unsedated TTE in 14 brachycephalic dogs with PS and 12 brachycephalic dogs without PS. Measurements of ventricular outflow structures were made in early systole and end diastole for both modalities and then compared for significance between systolic and diastolic phases, as well as between the two modalities. Ratios of the pulmonary trunk diameter to the aorta at different locations (aortic valve, aortic annulus, and ascending aorta) and in different planes (transverse, sagittal) were compared between dogs with PS and without PS, as well as within dogs, by both TTE and ECG‐gated CTA. Transthoracic echocardiography and ECG‐gated CTA both detected significantly greater pulmonary trunk to aorta ratios in dogs with PS at all aortic locations (P < 0.05). Pulmonary valve to aortic valve ratios were significantly smaller in dogs with PS (P < 0.05). Pulmonary trunk to aorta and pulmonary valve to aorta ratios were achieved with good anatomic detail using ECG‐gated CTA. Ratios of the pulmonary trunk and pulmonary valve relative to the aorta may be useful to evaluate for PS using a modality that is underutilized for cardiac assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coronary compression (CC) is a life threatening complication that can occur during percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI). We describe our experience using cardiac CT prior to PPVI to identify patients at high CC-risk due to a close relationship between the coronary arteries and pulmonary trunk (PT).Methods: A retrospective evaluation of candidates for PPVI who underwent CT prior to the procedure was done. Measurements of PT were performed using double oblique reconstructed images, with special attention to the stenotic tract of the PT. The analysis of coronary arteries included detection of anomalies of origin and course and assessment of their relationship with the PT, measuring the minimum distance between the coronary artery and the intended site of the future percutaneous valve implantation.Results: CT analysis was performed for 52 patients. Thirty patients underwent PPVI after CT and 22 didn't. In 6/22 cases the reason not to receive a PPVI was high CC-risk detected at CT. In 6 other patients CT detected an intermediate CC-risk but the test balloon performed during angiography prior to valve placement was safe and the patients successfully underwent the procedure. None of the patients deemed as no CC-risk at CT had CC during PPVI.Conclusion: CT can detect patients with high and intermediate CC-risk and therefore may identify which patients are unlikely to undergo successful PPVI and those who need a careful analysis with balloon testing. CT can also rule out CC-risk identifying those patients in which balloon inflation testing could be omitted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé La présence d’un thrombus intracavitaire droit est un marqueur de gravité de l’embolie pulmonaire (EP), et est associée à une mortalité élevée. Nous rapportons le cas d’un jeune patient ayant présenté une EP à risque intermédiaire postopératoire d’une chirurgie de tendon rotulien. L’échographie cardiaque à son admission mettait en évidence un volumineux thrombus mobile de 1,7 cm de diamètre localisé au tronc de l’artère pulmonaire. Une thrombolyse systémique était réalisée en raison d’une dégradation respiratoire permettant une disparition rapide du thrombus et une très bonne évolution secondaire. Notre cas rappelle l’intérêt d’une analyse échographique complète centrée sur le tronc pulmonaire en cas d’EP à risque intermédiaire. Aucune recommandation n’existe sur la prise en charge de ces thrombi intracavitaires droits, la thrombolyse semblant être le traitement de premier choix. The presence of a right intraventricular thrombus is a marker of severity of pulmonary embolism (PE), and is associated with high mortality. We report the case of a young patient with a PE postoperative of patellar tendon surgery. The cardiac echocardiography at its admission revealed a voluminous mobile thrombus of 1.7 cm diameter located on the pulmonary trunk. Systemic thrombolysis was performed because of respiratory deterioration allowing a rapid disappearance of the thrombus and recovery. Our case emphasizes the value of a complete ultrasound analysis centered on the pulmonary trunk in the case of intermediate-risk PE. No recommendation exists on the management of these right ventricular thrombi, thrombolysis appearing to be the first-line treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]