Hypoplastic aortic arch in newborns rapidly adapts to post-coarctectomy circulatory conditions

• Published in: Heart (British Cardiac Society) Vol. 91; no. 2; pp. 233 - 234
• Main Authors: Kiraly, L, Környei, L, Mogyorossy, G, Szatmari, A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and British Cardiovascular Society 01-02-2005; BMJ Publishing Group LTD; Copyright 2005 by Heart
• Subjects: AAFV; Aorta, Thoracic - abnormalities; Aorta, Thoracic - diagnostic imaging; aortic arch; Aortic Coarctation - diagnostic imaging; Aortic Coarctation - physiopathology; Aortic Coarctation - surgery; ascending aorta peak flow velocity; Blood Flow Velocity - physiology; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation - methods; Carotid arteries; coarctation of the aorta; Coronary vessels; DAFV; descending aorta peak flow velocity; Echocardiography, Doppler - methods; Female; Flow velocity; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; left ventricle shortening fraction; LVSF; Male; Mortality; Ostomy; Postoperative period; Scientific Letters; vascular remodelling; Veins & arteries; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left - epidemiology; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left - physiopathology
• ISSN: 1355-6037; 1468-201X
• DOI: 10.1136/hrt.2003.029314

DISCUSSION Previous studies have demonstrated that transverse arch and descending aorta are independent variables, therefore a ratio of their diameter better signifies transverse arch hypoplasia than that of transverse arch/ascending aorta. 3 We found an empiric cut off point between normal and hypoplastic arch groups at 0.5 with equal distribution of anomalies, excepting uniform association of atrial septal defect to hypoplastic group. An arch incision extended beyond the origin of the left carotid artery was proposed as mandatory optimal reconstruction of the hypoplastic aortic arch. 2 It is generally acknowledged that the transverse aortic arch grows after coarctation repair so most centres now perform it with limited extensity. 3, 4 Postoperative remodelling is also recorded. 5 The purpose of this study was to investigate the time frame within which it occurs.