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Background: Percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale (PFO) and atrial septal defects (ASD) is being more commonly performed due to changes in international guidelines supporting its use. This study was performed to determine the clinical outcomes, safety and cost implications of same-day discharge (SDD) following such procedures and place this in an Australian context. Methods: This was a retrospective, observational study of patients undergoing elective percutaneous PFO or ASD closure at St. George Hospital, Australia between January 2011 and January 2020. Primary outcomes included 30-day major adverse cardiovascular endpoints (MACE) and readmission to hospital within 30 days. Results: Twenty-four patients were included in the primary analysis. Ten (41.7%) patients underwent elective ASD closure while 14 (58.3%) underwent PFO closure. Among the 24 patients who underwent elective percutaneous closure of structural heart disease, 23 patients (95.8%) were managed with SDD. There were no MACE outcomes at 30 days. No patients were re-admitted to hospital at 30 days following these procedures. When compared to overnight admission to hospital post-elective percutaneous structural heart condition closure, SDD yielded a cost saving of AUD 5999 per case. Conclusion: SDD following elective percutaneous closure of ASD and PFO was demonstrated to be a safe and effective strategy for managing patients. With more widespread use, it can lead to significant cost savings for hospitals without compromising patient care.

BackgroundMultiple intra-atrial thrombi are found rarely except in the presence of prosthetic valves, intra-cardiac devices, structural connections like foramen ovale and thrombophilia.Case presentationWe reported acute thrombosis formation in right and left atrial appendages of a 66-year old man admitted due to progressive dyspnea since 7 days earlier. He had a history of prior laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma, apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), and atrial fibrillation (AF). Infection with COVID-19 was confirmed thereafter. Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (CMR) suggested the diagnosis of atrial clot superior to neoplasm. After surgical removal of the thrombi, symptoms as well as imaging features of pneumonia were resolved.ConclusionsWe should focus on different presentations and complications of systemic inflammation especially in the setting of COVID-19 infection. Although risk factors of thrombosis are present in some of these patients, rapid progression as well as unusual types of involvement may indicate to a new trigger.

Closure of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in patients after cryptogenic/cardioembolic stroke is recommended by current guidelines for patients who are 16–60 years of age with a high-risk PFO (class of recommendation A, level of evidence I). The use of double-disk occlusion devices followed by antiplatelet therapy is recommended. The procedure of interventional PFO closure compared with other interventions in cardiology is rather easy to learn. However, it should be performed carefully to avoid postinterventional complications. The number needed to treat (NNT) to avoid one stroke in 5 years in the RESPECT trial was 42, in the CLOSE trial even lower with 20. In the REDUCE trial, the NNT was 28 at 2 years. This can be reduced by longer follow-up, e.g., at 10 years the NNT is 18. While other conditions such as migraine are currently under investigation with respect to the impact of PFO closure, sufficiently powered trials are lacking so that closure in diseases other than stroke should always be individualized.

Background: Ebstein's anomaly is a rare and complex heart defect that affects the tricuspid valve and is accountable for around 1% of congenital cardiac abnormalities. It is one of the most common congenital causes of tricuspid valve regurgitation. Ebstein's anomaly often is diagnosed prenatally, due to its severe cardiomegaly. Some individuals with this anomaly do not experience complications until adulthood and even then, they have mostly minor complaints like exercise intolerance. An atrial septal defect is most commonly (70-90%) associated with Ebstein's anomaly. However, ventricular septal defect (VSD) can be associated with 2-6% of the cases. Case presentation: This report presents a case of surgical intervention for a 38-year-old female with Ebstein's anomaly symptomatic with moderate-severe pulmonary regurgitation and foramen ovale apertum. Conclusions: Ebstein anomaly is a complicated form of congenital heart disease with variable clinical presentations. The anesthetic plan must also focus on maintenance of RV function and avoidance of increase in PVR. Reversible causes of increased PVR, such as acidemia, hypoxemia, and hypercarbia must be avoided. Agents that lower PVR, such as nitrates, and nitric oxide may be beneficial in patients with severe pulmonary hypertension. With a sound knowledge of the cardiac anatomy, accurate scheming of surgical outcomes, routine follow-ups, multidisciplinary team approach, and better management, an experienced center can ultimately improve the prognosis of such patients.

Patent foramen ovale might cause cryptogenic strokes, including retinal artery occlusion. Herein, we describe a previously healthy young man who presented with central retinal artery occlusion in the setting of patent foramen ovale and explore the need for transesophageal echocardiogram for its diagnosis. Cardiovascular workup and neuroimaging were unremarkable. Transthoracic echocardiogram bubble study revealed a right to left atrial shunt and subsequent transesophageal echocardiogram disclosed patent foramen ovale. This congenital cardiac anomaly was the likely conduit for a thrombo-embolic central retinal artery occlusion. We identified seven patients with patent foramen ovale associated with central retinal artery occlusion in the literature. Transthoracic echocardiogram was diagnostic in only one patient (14.3%), whereas transesophageal echocardiogram was required to reveal patent foramen ovale in the remaining six (85.7%). Our case and the previous reports support the link between central retinal artery occlusion and patent foramen ovale. Therefore, providers should consider the more sensitive transesophageal echocardiogram during the initial evaluation of young patients without immediately identifiable causes of retinal artery occlusion.

Atrial septal defect (ASD) is the 5th common congenital abnormality at birth. Secundum atrial defect and patent foramen ovale (PFO) are the most common atrial septal defects. In this setting, the anatomical functional characterization of the interatrial septum seems to be of paramount importance not only for device selection but also for therapeutic intervention. This study was carried out to evaluate the morphometric parameters of fossa ovale (FOv) in the human adult cadaveric hearts. For this study, 50 normal cadaveric human hearts available in the department of Anatomy over the period of 3 years were used where size, position, shape, nature of the FOv was noted. The size of the fossa was measured and prominence, location, and extent of the limbus fossa ovalis were observed. The probe patency of foramen ovale (FO) was confirmed. In most specimens, the fossa was oval (80%), the average transverse diameter was 24.21 mm, and the vertical diameter 26.84 mm. In 84% rim was raised. In 56% of cases, the fossa was present at the middle of the interatrial septum. The patency of foramen was observed in 3%. The findings of the present study provide pertinent information on the morphology of the FOv, which may be useful for device selection in treating ASDs and PFO. This would definitely help the clinicians in a deeper understanding of the region as very few cadaveric studies are available in the literature at present.

In a 6-year-old child patient, transthoracic echocardiography revealed a large saccular structure (with anechogenic content) in the left atrium, near the fossa ovalis, and diagnosis of the left atrial septal pouch was made. The left atrial septal pouch is a kangaroo pouch-like structure on the left side of the interatrial septum, opened into the left atrial cavity without a connection between the left and right atria. It occurs when the foramen ovale is absent but the septum primum and septum secundum are only partially fused. The left atrial septal pouch is believed to be present in 47% of population. In many cases, the pocket on the atrial septum is small and it could not be detected by transthoracic echocardiography. Our description is uncommon because we diagnosed a very large septal pouch. Based on our knowledge, this is the youngest reported case of the left atrial septal pouch and the longest follow-up described in this type of congenital heart malformation.

1. Lindsay F. Eilers, MD* 2. William B. Kyle, MD* 3. Hugh D. Allen, MD* 4. Athar M. Qureshi, MD* 1. *The Lillie Frank Abercrombie Section of Cardiology, Texas Children’s Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX The ductus arteriosus (DA) is a fetal blood vessel that connects the pulmonary artery and the aorta. In fetal life, gas exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide is undertaken by the maternal placenta and not the fetal lungs. The small amount of blood that passes through the pulmonary circulation is important for vascular growth but not for gas exchange. When oxygenated blood returns from the placenta via the umbilical vein to the fetal heart, it may take 1 of 2 pathways to bypass the pulmonary circulation. First, most of the fetal blood volume is shunted right to left (right atrium to left atrium) across the foramen ovale, bypassing the right heart and pulmonary circulation completely. The remaining blood in the right atrium crosses the tricuspid valve into the right ventricle, then courses across the right ventricular outflow tract to the main pulmonary artery. Most of this blood is then shunted right to left (pulmonary artery to aorta) across the DA into the descending aorta, supplying oxygenated blood to the lower half of the body. After delivery to the tissues, deoxygenated blood returns to the placenta via the umbilical arteries, and the cycle repeats. Typically, after a term birth, the lungs inflate with the first breath and pulmonary blood flow increases. With the increased oxygen content of circulating blood and chemical changes, the DA spontaneously constricts, causing functional ductal closure within the first several days after birth, soon followed by complete anatomical closure. When this process fails to occur normally, especially in the absence of persistently elevated pulmonary artery pressures or significant cyanotic congenital heart disease, the …

OBJECTIVES Fetal aortic valvuloplasty (FAV) for severe aortic stenosis (AS) has shown promise in averting progression to hypoplastic left heart syndrome. After FAV, predicting which fetuses will achieve a biventricular (BiV) circulation after birth remains challenging. Identifying predictors of postnatal circulation on late gestation echocardiography will improve parental counseling. METHODS Liveborn patients who underwent FAV and had late gestation echocardiography available were included (2000-2017, n = 96). Multivariable logistic regression and classification and regression tree analysis were utilized to identify independent predictors of BiV circulation. RESULTS Among 96 fetuses, 50 (52.1%) had BiV circulation at the time of neonatal discharge. In multivariable analysis, independent predictors of biventricular circulation included left ventricular (LV) long axis z-score (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.8-5.7, p

Introduction Patent foramen ovale is a common congenital cardiac abnormality. An association with acute ischemic stroke is well described. Extension of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) into the adjacent veins is common. Surgical resection is felt to be an effective approach to treatment, even in the setting of extensive venous involvement. Case report A 55-year-old woman with recently diagnosed right renal mass and cavoatrial tumor thrombus was transferred to our facility for surgical resection. She subsequently underwent open radical right nephrectomy, regional lymph node dissection, inferior vena cava and right atrial tumor thrombectomy, and resection of the infrahepatic vena cava. An intraoperative transesophageal echocardiogram confirmed the absence of tumor thrombus from the inferior vena cava and right atrium and also identified a patent foramen ovale (PFO). Upon weaning sedation, she was noted to be agitated and have left hemiplegia. Her National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was 30 and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) 6. The computerized tomography scan of head revealed extensive hypoattenuation right in the middle and left posterior cerebral artery territories. There was associated cerebral edema and 5-mm midline shift. In the setting of devastating neurological injury, her family elected to transition to comfort care and the patient died on the postoperative day 7. Conclusions This is the first reported case of intraoperative paradoxical embolism in the setting of RCC with cavoatrial extension and PFO. The presence of PFO may be a risk factor for severe cerebrovascular complications in the surgical management of RCC with venous involvement.

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a common clinical entity that is encountered in 20–34% of the general population. In most individuals, this anatomical variation is asymptomatic and goes undetected throughout their lives or is only incidentally discovered on cardiac investigations. In situations when the conduit is large enough and when the right atrial pressure exceeds the left atrial pressure, right to left interatrial flow may occur in these individuals. This creates a channel for translocation of air or thrombi from the venous to the arterial circulation, a phenomenon known as paradoxical embolism. Approximately 25–40% of strokes and transient ischemic attacks in patients less than 60 years of age are classified as cryptogenic and studies have identified a higher prevalence (60%) of PFO in young adults with strokes of unidentifiable etiology. Recent trials have demonstrated utility of PFO closure with mechanical devices for secondary prevention of recurrent strokes in patients aged

The aim of this analysis was to study the postnatal short-term outcome of cases with aneurysmal septum primum (ASP) and non-restrictive foramen ovale in otherwise structurally normal hearts. This is a retrospective review of fetuses with ASP referred between 2016 and 2018 to the University Hospital of Cerrahpasa, Department of Fetal Cardiology for cardiac scanning. Prenatal and postnatal clinical features and outcomes for each case were ascertained from the departmental database and from individual clinical hospital records. We presented twenty-four cases which also had postnatal echocardiographic examination in our hospital. At the time of diagnosis of ASP, the mean maternal age was 31.1 ± 5.7 years, the mean gestational age was 28.9 ± 5.9 weeks, the mean birth week was 37.4 ± 3.1 weeks, and the mean birth weight was 2940.8 ± 736.6 g. The postnatal first 3 months prevalences of atrial septal aneurysm, patent foramen ovale and, secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) were 12.5%, 12.5%, 20.8% among fetuses with ASP, respectively. ASP may persist after birth and may increase the frequency of secundum ASD. These data suggest that fetuses with ASP should be followed by a pediatric cardiologist in postnatal life.

Antenatal cardiac intervention affords new prospects for hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Its success, however, may come not only from absence of impediments to blood flow but also from a sufficiently developed cardiac wall. Here, we examined the feasibility to perfuse selectively the fetal coronary circulation for treatment with growth promoting agents. Pregnant sheep (94–114 days gestation, term 145 days) were used. An aortic stop-flow procedure was developed for intracoronary access in the nonexposed fetus and human mesenchymal stem cells and their exosomes served as test agents. We found that aortic stop-flow ensures preferential distribution of fluorescent microspheres to the heart. However, intracoronary administration of stem cells or exosomes was detrimental, with fetal demise occurring around surgery or at variable intervals afterwards. Coincidentally, stop-flow caused by itself a marked rise of intraluminal pressure within the occluded aorta along with histological signs of coronary obstruction. We conclude that it is feasible to perfuse selectively the coronary circulation of the preterm fetus, but treatments are not compatible with survival of the animals. The cause for failure is found in the absence of hemodynamic compensation to stop-flow via a left-to-right shunt. This unexpected event is attributed to a largely membranous foramen ovale, characteristic of sheep, that collapses under pressure.

Background Stroke is a common neurological disorder and may present with visual symptoms. A thorough workup is warranted to determine the underlying cause of stroke to optimize secondary prevention. Despite a full workup, a high-risk mechanism may not be identified. Optimal treatment in this patient population has been the subject of recent research, particularly with regard to low-risk stroke mechanisms such as patent foramen ovale (PFO). Evidence acquisition Using PubMed and published stroke guidelines, an evidence-based literature review was performed. Results In this review, we compare cryptogenic stroke with the newer concept of embolic stroke of undetermined source, summarize the most common causes presumed to underlie these strokes, and review the evidence for optimal antithrombotic management. We also review recent clinical trials demonstrating a benefit for percutaneous closure of PFO for secondary stroke prevention in select patients. Conclusions Stroke management is based on evaluation of individual patient-risk factors. Evaluation and treatment is ideally directed by a vascular neurologist to ensure optimal secondary prevention, especially in cases where an underlying etiology is not identified on initial workup.

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a prevalent congenital septal atrial defect usually without pathological significance. In certain pathogenic situations, PFO can trigger episodes of recurrent hypoxemia, a specific condition known as platipnea-orthodeoxia syndrome (POS). We report a 73 years old female presenting with dyspnea and low arterial oxygen saturation. On admission the patient had a hemoglobin saturation of 81% and an arterial oxygen partial pressure of 50 mmHg. After breathing 100% a 17% arterial-venous shunt was found (normal: less than 12%). A transesophageal echocardiogram and a cardiac catheterization showed the presence of a PFO. A percutaneous closure was performed.

Background In patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) premature closure or restriction of the interatrial communication causes severe cyanosis directly after birth with rapid deterioration in clinical state. An ex-utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure, extracorporal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and emergency interventional cardiac catheterization or cardiac surgery has to be anticipated and prepared. We report the first case performing foetal atrial septum stenting in such a patient directly before birth to enable uncomplicated interatrial shunting postnatally. Case summary A 31-year-old pregnant woman was referred to our centre for further evaluation of the foetus due to HLHS. In the follow-up study before birth severe restriction of the foramen ovale with increased retrograde flow in the pulmonary veins [0.33 ratio antegrade/retrograde time velocity integral (TVI)] was detected. After careful consideration foetal atrial septum stenting was performed at 38 + 3 weeks of gestation. At 39 + 2 weeks of gestation the baby was born by caesarean section followed by an uncomplicated postnatal adaption. On the 7th day of life a Norwood procedure was performed and the baby was discharged on the 63rd postoperative day. Discussion Evaluation of the interatrial communication in foetuses with HLHS should be done carefully just before birth. In the case of severe restriction or closure of the foramen ovale atrial septum stenting just before birth can be considered as an alternative treatment to an EXIT procedure, ECMO, or emergency atrioseptectomy on bypass. However, a very experienced team of paediatric cardiologists and perinatologists with expertise in foetal cardiac interventions is needed to perform this technical difficult procedure.

Objective Patulous eustachian tube (PET) is currently treated using a variety of conservative or surgical approaches. To further elucidate the pathology of PET and to establish new therapies, the development of an animal model is necessary. The objective of this study was to develop a highly reproducible and sustainable rat model of PET by mandibular nerve resection. Methods Sixteen rats underwent mandibular nerve resection. Following an external incision, the main trunk of the mandibular nerve at the foramen ovale was identified in the pterygoid fossa, and its branches were resected. This surgery was performed on the right side, with the unoperated left side used as the control. To determine eustachian tube (ET) function, passive opening pressure (POP) was measured using inflation method up to Week 16 post-surgery. Changes in POP were statistically compared to the preoperative level on the operated and control sides. In addition, specimens of the ET and its surrounding tissue at Week 16 post-surgery were prepared for morphological evaluation in eight rats. Results On the control side, POP did not significantly decrease across the 16 weeks post-surgery compared to the preoperative level. In contrast, on the operated side, POP was significantly decreased at Week 2 and continued to be lower than the preoperative level until at least Week 16 post-surgery. POP dropped 10% or more on the operated side examined in thirteen rats. Histologically, the medial pterygoid muscle was atrophied on the operated side mainly. Conclusion Mandibular nerve resection in rats may be an effective method for generating an animal model of PET. It was suggested that this rat model may be useful for verifying new treatments for PET.

A pregnant woman presented at term with a fetus with foramen ovale restriction. We illustrate the contrast between fetal and postnatal echocardiography of this rare entity. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.), Central Illustration

Isolated restrictive foramen ovale (rFO) without complex heart defects is a rare pathology. There may be difficulties in managing this situation, which can lead to right heart enlargement, tricuspid regurgitation and hydrops findings in the foetus. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 8451 foetuses. 7883 (93.2%) had a structurally normal heart or minor heart disease, 18 (0.22%) of which had a diagnosis of isolated rFO. Nine patients with neonatal echocardiographic examination were included in the study. In 8 (88.8%) patients, it was stated that a decision to give birth should be made at the time of presentation. Evaluating postpartum echocardiographic examinations, 7 (77.7%) patients had normal or minor defects. The decision of delivery made at the right time during follow-up is critical to determine the prognosis.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? The data about the prenatal diagnosis of isolated rFO is limited.What the results of this study add? We conducted a retrospective analysis of 8451 foetuses. 7883 (93.2%) foetuses had a structurally normal heart or minor heart disease, 18 (0.22%) of which had a diagnosis of rFO. Nine patients with foetal and postnatal follow-up and echocardiographic findings were examined in the study. The group's median gestational age at admission was 35.0 weeks (range: 27.0-39.0 weeks). The delivery decision was made in 8 (88.8%) patients at the time of admission. Evaluating postpartum echocardiographic examinations, 7 (77.7%) patients had normal or minor defects. Additionally, one patient was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, and the other patient was diagnosed with functional pulmonary atresia. No death occurred in any foetus during follow-up.What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Isolated rFO, a rare condition in the foetus, is generally well-tolerated in foetal life. However, the right heart enlargement, tricuspid regurgitation, or hydrops findings can be seen in patients. The decision of delivery made at the right time during follow-up is critical to determine the prognosis.

We describe a 3-month-old infant with transposition of great arteries and restrictive foramen ovale who presented with severe cyanosis. Child had a large thrombus causing near-total occlusion of the inferior caval vein. An emergency atrial septoplasty was performed via internal jugular venous access. The case emphasises the technical challenges faced while performing this procedure through jugular approach and plausible solutions to overcome these challenges.

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a common congenital abnormality of the heart. It results from incomplete closure of foramen ovale that persists in adulthood. Most individuals with PFO are asymptomatic and are discovered incidentally. The left atrial pressure is generally higher than the right atrial pressure, which prevents blood flow against the gradient; however, any medical condition that increases the pulmonary artery pressure can lead to reversal of blood flow from right to left by elevating right atrial pressure. We present a case of a 59-year-old female who presented with complaints of shortness of breath associated with bilateral lower-extremity edema and was found to have acute decompensated heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) with cardioversion was performed. Propofol was given for conscious sedation; however, the procedure was terminated as patient became hypoxemic and was noted to have moderately dilated right ventricle (RV) with hypokinesia and PFO with right-to-left shunting. It also demonstrated mild mitral regurgitation, mild left ventricular hypertrophy, and a left ventricular ejection fraction of 55-60%. In contrast to TEE findings, while the patient was having normal oxygen saturation, transthoracic echocardiogram showed left-to-right shunting instead of right-to-left and no RV hypokinesia was noted. In conclusion, this case draws attention to the relationship between acute hypoxemia and right-to-left shunting in a patient with PFO. This case illustrates and highlights the need for more prospective studies to establish a relationship between acute hypoxemia and right-to-left shunting in the presence of PFO.

Background Platypnoea–orthodeoxia syndrome (POS) is a rare condition characterized by hypoxaemia and dyspnoea when changing from a recumbent to an upright position. Diagnosis requires a high clinical suspicion and is often underdiagnosed. Case summary We report a case of POS in a 50-year-old woman with dyspnoea and new-onset atrial fibrillation. Oxygen saturation and dyspnoea worsened as she changed from a supine to a sitting position (96 vs. 86%, respectively). Transoesophageal echocardiography demonstrated enlargement of both atria and right ventricle with reduced systolic function and a large Chiari network (CN). Colour Doppler discovered severe tricuspid regurgitation with tenting and tethering of the valve leaflets. Finally, a bubble test revealed the cause of POS to be a patent foramen ovale along with the severe tricuspid regurgitant jet moving into the left atrium and favoured by the CN. Surgical closure of the foramen ovale resulted in the resolution of symptoms. Discussion Platypnoea–orthodeoxia syndrome is most commonly caused by a right-to-left shunt through an anatomical defect of the interatrial septum, typically a patent foramen ovale, combined with elevated right atrium pressure. This case illustrates an uncommon cause of POS in the absence of elevated atrium pressure due to the interplay of three key elements: a patent foramen ovale, tricuspid regurgitation, and the CN. Our aim is to alert physicians to the possibility of an intracardiac shunt as the cause of unexplained and/or refractory hypoxaemia related to position changes. Early recognition of this syndrome promotes timely treatment, greatly improving patient outcomes.

In patients with severe COVID-19, it has been proposed as mechanism of respiratory failure, intra and extrapulmonary shunt. However, there are no reported or documented cases of this mechanism. Also, there are studies showing this mechanism is not relevant. In this report, we present the case of a patient with severe COVID-19 pneumonia, who after two months, during his rehabilitation period, presented persistent hypoxemia with orthodeoxia. Persistent oval foramen with shunt from right to left was diagnosed. The patient underwent a percutaneous closure of the defect and at 48 hours oxygen therapy could be discontinued and the patient discharged.

Perioperative hypoxemia is common in patients with aortic dissection. Platypnea-orthodeoxia syndrome (POS), in which hypoxemia in the upright position improves with relocating to a recumbent position, can be a rare cause of hypoxemia. This syndrome is more likely to occur in patients with an intracardiac shunt and aortic malformation. Hypoxemic symptoms present in our patient were paradoxical to those of common POS due to the highly tortuous descending thoracic aorta (DTA) and Eustachian valve. Therefore, establishing the diagnosis was difficult. POS should be suspected when patients with high tortuosity and curvature of DTA show hypoxemia.

The Eustachian valve is an embryologic remnant at the junction of the inferior vena cava (IVC) and right atrium (RA). While it typically does not have any pathologic significance, veno-arterial shunting can rarely occur in patients with prominent eustachian valves and atrial septal defects (ASD), causing cyanosis and hypoxemia despite normal pulmonary pressures. We present a case of a patient with iatrogenic residual sinus venosus IVC-type ASD secondary to a prominent Eustachian valve that was misinterpreted as the inferior rim of the atrial septum during initial ASD repair.

Background: Fetal balloon atrial septoplasty (BAS) is performed through the restrictive foramen ovale in fetal cases with established hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and an intact or highly restrictive atrial septum (RAS). Methods: In the current report, we present a case of high position BAS in a fetus with HLHS/RAS. Results: Echocardiography confirmed an adequate atrial opening above the foramen ovale and fetal pleural effusion resolved spontaneously 1 day after the procedure. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, the creation of a high position hole in the thinner part of the atrial septum, instead of the restrictive tiny hole, has not been reported in fetal cases with HLHS/RAS. Keywords: Congenital heart disease, Fetal balloon atrial septoplasty, Hypoplastic left heart syndrome, Intact or highly restrictive atrial septum

Background Patent foramen ovale (PFO) has been reported in 25–30% of the general population. The most commonly used test for detecting PFO is a contrast enhanced transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). PFO presence can be confirmed during pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) procedure by passing the transseptal catheter assembly through the foramen ovale, crossing the septum from the right to the left atrium without using a trans-septal needle for puncture. Methods We retrospectively reviewed data from a cohort of 178 patients with AF who underwent PVI at Saint Louis University. Pre-PVI procedure, scheduled TEE reports were reviewed to assess for the presence of PFO and the PVI procedure reports were reviewed for confirmation. Results Records of 178 patients (55.6% male, mean population age 60.4 ± 11.8) were reviewed. 102 of 178 patients had a PFO detected during the PVI procedure. This translates into a 57.3% prevalence of PFO in AF patients. Out of the 178 patients, 75 patients had a pre-PVI procedure TEE for whom PFO presence was reported in 18.7%. The sensitivity and specificity of TEE in detection of PFO were 36.8% and 100%, respectively. There was no statistically significant association between stroke and PFO diagnosed during PVI (RR 1.07; 95% CI, 0.53–2.19; P = 0.805). Conclusions Our study reports a PFO prevalence of 18.7% using a pre-procedure TEE and 56.6% during the PVI procedure in AF patients. Given that TEE is the gold standard for detection of PFO, our study suggests that the prevalence of PFO may be underestimated in our AF population.

The presence of patent foramen ovale (PFO) was found to be associated with a number of medical conditions, including embolic stroke and recurrent transient neurological defects. The closure of PFO remains controversial; however, in recently published guidelines from the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions in collaboration with 7 other European societies, which extensively refer to the latest randomized clinical trials, it is explicitly recommended to perform percutaneous PFO closure in the prevention of recurrent thromboembolic events. In connection with the above facts and expected increasing number of PFO closure procedures, the joint expert group of the Association of Cardiovascular Interventions and the Grown‑Up Congenital Heart Disease Section of the Polish Cardiac Society developed the following consensus opinion in order to standardize the principles of diagnosis, indications, methods of performing procedures, and postoperative care in relation to Polish conditions and experiences.

Congenital hypoplasia of left heart structures in fetuses frequently progresses with gestational development. Interference with cerebral development is common in these fetuses. Chronic maternal hyperoxygenation (MHO) has been recommended to increase left ventricular size and to limit cerebral damage. The effects of MHO on cerebral blood flow and metabolism have been studied in normal fetuses and fetuses with left heart hypoplasia. Maternal hyperoxygenation increases fetal pulmonary blood flow. This is associated with reduction of foramen ovale flow, thus limiting the increase in left ventricular output. Modest increase in the size of left heart structures has been reported, but in another study, no significant improvement occurred. In sheep fetuses increased oxygenation results in marked reduction of cerebral blood flow, with no change in oxygen delivery or consumption by the brain, but significant reduction in cerebral glucose delivery and consumption. In one study of fetuses with left heart hypoplasia, chronic MHO was associated with decrease in head size. The effectiveness of MHO in improving left ventricular development is controversial. MHO is, however, associated with reduction of cerebral blood flow and possible interference with cerebral development. In view of this it is recommended that all studies of chronic maternal hyperoxygenation be curtailed.

Objective: To assess the intrauterine course and outcome of fetal cardiac intervention (FCI) in fetuses with critical aortic stenosis (CAS), severe mitral regurgitation (MR), severe left atrial dilatation (LAD), and restrictive foramen ovale (RFO) or intact atrial septum. Methods: All fetuses with a prenatal diagnosis of CAS, severe MR, severe LAD, and RFO were retrospectively collected in one tertiary center for fetal medicine over a period of 10 years. Video recordings, pre- and postnatal charts were reviewed for cardiac and extracardiac anomalies, intrauterine course, and postnatal outcome. Results: Nineteen fetuses with CAS, severe MR, severe LAD, and RFO were diagnosed in the study period. In 5 cases, FCI was not considered as the parents either opted for expectative management or for termination. In the remaining 14 fetuses, 21 FCI were performed: 14 balloon valvuloplasties, 2 atrioseptostomies, and 5 fetal atrial stent insertions. Seven of 14 fetuses (50%) had fetal hydrops, 5 of 14 fetuses (36%) presented with intact atrial septum. Procedure-related death occurred in 5 fetuses after aortic valvuloplasty or concomitant atrioseptostomy but in none after fetal atrial stenting. Due to progressive hydrops, two terminations of pregnancy were performed. Among the 7 live births, 3 died in the neonatal period. The remaining 4 received single ventricle palliation, 2 following fetal aortic valvuloplasty and 2 after fetal atrial stent insertion. Conclusions: CAS with severe MR, severe LAD, and RFO has a high overall mortality even in cases undergoing intrauterine intervention. Parameters that accurately predict the intrauterine and postnatal outcome have yet to be defined.

INTRODUCTION: The eustachian valve is a normal remnant of the right valve of the sinus venosus, which directs blood in the embryo life from the inferior vena cava into the left atrium through the foramen ovale. CASE REPORT: We report a case of eustachian valve endocarditis (EVE) secondary to Salmonella typhimurium in a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The patient also had concomitant Pneumocystis pneumonia. DISCUSSION: Salmonella bacteremia is one of the AIDS-defining illnesses, and many patients will have recurrent episodes. Salmonella endocarditis on the other hand is rare, but when present, it has a significant morbidity and mortality. EVE rarely requires surgical intervention, and the appropriate antibiotics are the treatment of choice. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend clinicians to consider obtaining an echocardiography in AIDS patients with Salmonella bacteremia to search for possible endocarditis, as it does change the treatment plan.

BACKGROUND: Transthoracic echocardiography is routinely performed in patients with stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) to help plan secondary stroke management, but recent data evaluating its usefulness in this context are lacking. We sought to evaluate the value of echocardiography for identifying clinically actionable findings for secondary stroke prevention. METHODS: We conducted a multicentre cohort study of patients admitted to hospital with stroke or TIA between 2010 and 2015 at 2 academic hospitals in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Clinically actionable echocardiographic findings for secondary stroke prevention included cardiac thrombus, patent foramen ovale, atrial myxoma or valvular vegetation. We identified patient characteristics associated with clinically actionable findings using logistic regression. RESULTS: Of the 1862 patients with stroke or TIA we identified, 1272 (68%) had at least 1 echocardiogram. Nearly all echocardiograms were transthoracic; 1097 (86%) were normal, 1 (0.08%) had an atrial myxoma, 2 (0.2%) had a valvular vegetation, 11 (0.9%) had a cardiac thrombus and 66 (5.2%) had a PFO. Patent foramen ovale was less likely among patients older than 60 years (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.20–0.57), with prior stroke or TIA (adjusted OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.09–0.76) or with dyslipidemia (adjusted OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.15–0.84). Among the 130 patients with cryptogenic stroke who had an echocardiogram (n = 110), a PFO was detected in 19 (17%) on transthoracic echocardiogram. INTERPRETATION: Most patients with stroke or TIA had a normal echocardiogram, with few having clinically actionable findings for secondary stroke prevention. Clinically actionable findings, specifically PFO, were more common in patients with cryptogenic stroke.

We investigated the feasibility to proactively stimulate subsequent closure of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) by injuring (mechanical trauma or radiofrequency [RF] energy) the opposing surfaces of the septum primum (SP) and septum secundum (SS). 1. Mechanical Injury: The interatrial septum of patients who underwent multiple left atrial (LA) ablations over 6 years, where a PFO was used for LA access, were examined. Patients whose PFO was absent during a later procedure were identified. Eleven patients with LA accessed via a PFO also underwent subsequent LA procedures. 2. Ablation: Ten patients undergoing ablation for drug-resistant atrial fibrillation (AF), who also had a PFO, were studied. RF delivery was extended along the upper SP. Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) bubble study was repeated after 3 months. 1. Mechanical Injury: Seven were male with a mean age of 58.3 ± 9.99. LA size was 42.73 ± 3.52 mm. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) was 62 ± 7.4%. During the repeat procedure, in 4 patients, the PFO could not be visualized and the fossa ovalis (FO) was punctured. The fourth patient had three procedures. During the second procedure the PFO was accessed, but with difficulty. During the third procedure, it was no longer present. All four patients had subsequent TTE showing no PFO. 2. Ablation: Seven were male with a mean age of 61.1 ± 9.8 years. The mean EF and LA diameters were 55 ± 5% and 4.4 ± 0.8 cm respectively. The mean RF time was 5.4 ± 2.2 min. At 3 months, 9 patients out of 10 showed no interatrial communication. Injury of tunnel surfaces of the SP and SS by mechanical trauma or ablation can fuse the foramen ovale.

Cardiovascular pathology is one of the urgent problems of modern medicine, including children. The peculiarity of most cardiovascular diseases in children lies in their prolonged formation, tendency to chronic course, less apparent clinical manifestations in the first stages of the disease. Objective. In childhood, large-scale clinical epidemiological studies have not yet become widespread. But the available statistics allows analyzing trends and patterns that reflect the features of cardiovascular pathology in childhood, its role in health of the child population, which was the objective of this paper. Materials and methods. The analysis of medical and statistical documents of 1825 children aged 0–18 years followed up for cardiomyopathies of dysplastic genesis (DGC) in healthcare facilities of Kharkiv. The indications for following up were clinical symptoms and cardiac ultrasound findings during outpatient or inpatient examination in the absence of organic cardiovascular diseases. Results. Most often, clinical manifestation and, accordingly, diagnosis were observed from 4 to 11 years. Most minor cardiac abnormalities persist over the lifetime, and clinical significance may increase with age, contributing to the development of pathology or becoming a risk factor for cardiac pathology. Conclusions. The structure of minor cardiac abnormalities among the children of the dispensary group is heterogeneous: prolapse of the mitral valve (mostly isolated), abnormal chords of the left ventricle and open foramen ovale are most frequently recorded; prolapse of other valves and aneurysms of the atrial septum are very rare. Primary diagnosis of minor cardiac abnormalities mainly takes place at age 4 to 11 years. Summarizing the findings, it can be noted that minor cardiac abnormalities have a relatively high detection rate and constitute a large and heterogeneous dispensary monitoring group.

Aim. To assess echocardiographic data in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Material and methods. We included to study 129 women who underwent echocardiography (EchoCG) with Vivid-E9 ultrasound scanner: 55 people with RA and 32 with RA+arterial hypertension (AH). Allowing for the fact that in 36,8% of cases RA was combined with AH, the control group in addition to 14 healthy individuals included 28 people with AH.Results. The systolic function of the left ventricle (LV), according to the size of the ejection fraction (EF), was preserved. EchoCG diagnosed diastolic dysfunction in 18,2% of patients with RA and 28,1% with RA + AH: usually of a rigid type (16,4% and 18,7%, respectively), less commonly pseudonormal (1,8% and 9,4%, respectively). An association of age and a) wall thickness, LV myocardium mass (r=0,46 and 0,6, respectively; pConclusion. EchoCG examination in various modes and technologies determined pathological changes, such as LV hypertrophy, valve disorders, mild cardiac dropsy, open foramen ovale, diastolic dysfunction and longitudinal systolic LV dysfunction in 45,4% of patients with RA and 96,9% with RA+AH. The value of the global systolic function can be a significant addition to the formation of cardiac risk groups with early prenosological signs of heart damage.

Anatomic variants in the right atrium are under-recognized and under-reported phenomena in cardiac imaging. In the fetus, right atrium serves as a conduit for oxygenated blood to be delivered to the left heart bypassing the right ventricle and the nonfunctional lungs. The anatomy in the fetal right atrium is designed for such purposeful circulation. The right and left venous valves are prominent structures in the fetal heart that direct inferior vena caval flow towards the foramen ovale. These anatomic structures typically regress and the foramen ovale closes after birth. However, the venous valves can persist leading to a range of anatomic, physiological, and pathological consequences in the adult. We describe various presentations of persistent venous valves, focusing on the right venous valve in this illustrated multimodality imaging article.

International audience; Background and purpose The efficacy of patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks remains controversial. Methods This was a planned sub-study in migraine patients enrolled in a randomized, clinical trial designed to assess the superiority of PFO closure plus antiplatelet therapy over antiplatelet therapy alone to prevent stroke recurrence in patients younger than 60 years with a PFO-associated cryptogenic ischaemic stroke. The main outcome was the mean annual number of migraine attacks in migraine patients with aura and in those without aura, as recorded at each follow-up visit by study neurologists. Results Of 473 patients randomized to PFO closure or antiplatelet therapy, 145 (mean age 41.9 years; women 58.6%) had migraine (75 with aura and 70 without aura). Sixty-seven patients were randomized to PFO closure and 78 to antiplatelet therapy. During a mean follow-up of about 5 years, there were no differences between antiplatelet-only and PFO closure groups in the mean annual number of migraine attacks, both in migraine patients with aura (9.2 [11.9] vs. 12.0 [19.1], p = 0.81) and in those without aura (12.1 [16.1] vs. 11.8 [18.4], p > 0.999). There were no differences between treatment groups regarding cessation of migraine attacks, migraine-related disability at 2 years and use of migraine-preventive drugs during follow-up. Conclusions In young and middle-aged adults with PFO-associated cryptogenic stroke and migraine, PFO closure plus antiplatelet therapy did not reduce the mean annual number of migraine attacks compared to antiplatelet therapy alone, in migraine patients both with and without aura.

A diver returned to diving, 15 months after an episode of neuro-spinal decompression sickness (DCS) with relapse, after which she had been found to have a moderate to large provoked shunt across a persistent (patent) foramen ovale (PFO), which was not closed. She performed a single highly conservative dive in line with the recommendations contained in the 2015 position statement on PFO and diving published jointly by the South Pacific Underwater Medicine Society and the United Kingdom Sports Diving Medical Committee. An accidental Valsalva manoeuvre shortly after surfacing may have provoked initial symptoms which later progressed to DCS. Her symptoms and signs were milder but closely mirrored her previous episode of DCS and she required multiple hyperbaric oxygen treatments over several days, with residua on discharge. Although guidance in the joint statement was mostly followed, the outcome from this case indicates that there may be a subgroup of divers with an unclosed PFO, who have had a previous episode of serious DCS, who may not be safe to dive, even within conservative limits.

The case of a diver with a history of decompression sickness (DCS) after recreational scuba diving is presented. Cutis marmorata, a subtype of cutaneous DCS, has been consistently associated with the presence of a persistent (patent) foramen ovale (PFO) as a risk factor. Diagnostic uncertainty arose when transthoracic echocardiography with antecubital injection of agitated saline bubbles (ASBs) did not show any significant shunt, but the presence of a large Eustachian valve was counteracted by intra-femoral injection of ASBs, showing a large PFO with spontaneous shunting. The importance of proper echocardiography techniques prior to resorting to intra-femoral injection of ASBs to counteract the haemodynamic effects of the Eustachian valve is emphasised.

Extended 5-Year Follow-up of the PFO Closure Trial In the initial report of the Gore REDUCE trial of patent foramen ovale closure, with a median follow-up of 3.2 years, 18 patients had stroke recur...

Introduction Cor triatrium dextrum is an extremely rare cardiac condition with an incidence of Methods CASE REPORT: Informed parental consent was obtained to present this case. A 20-day-old term infant weighing 2.8 kg was admitted for progressive cyanosis and difficulties to thrive. At physical examination the newborn had a peripheral oxygen saturation of 75%. Preoperative chest X-ray showed a clog-shaped heart. Preoperative NT pro-BNP was 2311 ng/L. Repeated transthoracic echocardiography confirmed the diagnosis of cor triatrium dextrum and a R-to-L shunt through a patent foramen ovale. Distal pulmonary arteries were small for age. Surgery was scheduled. At the induction of anesthesia specific attention was paid to maintain normovolemia and a blood pressure and heart rate as compared to baseline values. Induction of anesthesia was performed with 2 mg Ketamine, 0.2 mg midazolam and 2 µg sufentanil. Tracheal intubation was facilitated with cisatracurium. Anesthesia was maintained with 1% Sevoflurane and a continuous infusion of sufentanil. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) confirmed the diagnosis. The TEE 4 chamber view showed a membrane within the RA (Figure 1A) with a spinnaker movement in diastole when it was bulging into the TV (Figure 2). Laterally, there was an opening within the membrane permitting turbulent blood flow from the RA through the TV (Figure 1B). Resection of the membrane was uneventful and the foramen ovale was closed. Weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was facilitated with a continuous infusion of milrinone. Results Figures 1A and 1B: Intraoperative TEE view of the membrane. Discussion Cor triatrium dextrum being an extremely rare CHD, anesthesiologists may not be familiar with its clinical presentations. Depending on the degree of the RA obstruction, poor right ventricle (RV) filling and compromised pulmonary blood flow may occur. Neonatal cyanosis may appear due to streaming of the blood from the RA across the atrial septum to the left atrium. Intraoperative actions need to be taken in order to increase RV filling. In this case the opening from the RA to the RV resulted in turbulent flow but intraoperative hemodynamic optimization increased this forward flow and prevented any oxygen saturation concentrations LEARNING POINTS 1. Anesthesiologists need to be aware of intraoperative hemodynamic instability and cyanosis due to the obstructive membrane within RA in case of cor triatrium dextrum. 2. Pre CPB TEE should carefully evaluate the TV that may mimick an Ebstein anomaly as the membrane may bulge into the TV.

Background Left atrial appendage (LAA) closure is an alternative to chronic oral anticoagulation for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) at high bleeding risk. Patients with a previous percutaneous closure of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) present an increased risk for developing AF during their life, and the presence of an atrial septal device renders future percutaneous left atrial access more challenging. Very few cases of LAA occlusion in patients with a preexisting PFO closure device have been previously reported. Case summary A 74-years old woman was admitted to our hospital for symptomatic severe anaemia during direct oral anticoagulant treatment. Her past medical history reported an ischaemic stroke at the age of 55, at that time a PFO was diagnosed and a STARFlex™ PFO occluder (NMT Medical, Boston, MA, USA) was implanted. During the current hospitalization, the patient underwent a colonoscopy that showed colonic angiodysplasias unsuitable for endoscopic treatment and LAA closure was indicated for stroke prevention. After a multimodality pre-procedural planning that included a transoesophageal echocardiogram, a cardiac computed tomography scan and a three-dimensional cardiac model printing, the procedure was planned and the LAA successfully occluded. Discussion LAA closure can be performed safely and effectively in patients carrying a previously implanted PFO occlusion device. In complex settings, a pre-procedural multimodality imaging is critical for improving the procedural safety and success rate. We describe the first case of percutaneous LAA closure in a patient with a prior PFO occlusion with the implantation of a STARflex™ septal occlusion device.

The majority of cavernous sinus lesions are meningiomas, for which treatment (fractioned radiotherapy or radiosurgery), if indicated, is usually initiated upon image-based diagnosis. However, this region can be affected by a wide variety of pathological processes and the risk of misdiagnosis exists. As pathological diagnosis can be obtained by biopsy through the foramen ovale in selected cases, we asked the question as to whether systematically performing this procedure before treatment would provide additional, relevant diagnostic information. All the cases referred to our department between January 2008 and December 2019 for cavernous sinus lesions that were considered for treatment and anatomically suitable for transforamen ovale biopsy were included. Outcomes and subsequent treatment or follow-up data were collected. Thirty-five patients were included. Twenty-six were highly suspected to have meningioma or schwannoma at imaging, among whom biopsy allowed diagnosis confirmation in 17 cases (65%). For the nine patients for whom biopsy was indicated upon suspected malignancy or inflammatory disease on imaging, biopsy revealed three meningiomas and one lymphoma and was not contributory in five cases (56%), three of which underwent open surgery. Three patients (8.5%) had persistent neuralgia at the last follow-up. When cavernous sinus meningioma or schwannoma is highly suspected upon predefined imaging criteria by an experienced neuroradiologist, invasive exploration before treatment does not seem to be indicated. Otherwise, transforamen ovale biopsy might be consider in selected cases as a minimally invasive option to obtain pathological analysis.

Background: Persisent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) is often secondary to lung disease such as meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) and is characterized by extrapulmonary right-to-left or bidirectional shunting at the foramen ovale and/or patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Shunting at the PDA results in reduced oxygen saturation (SaO2) and PaO2 in the postductual region. However, studies have not directly evaluated simultaneous preductal and postductal blood gases and direction of ductal shunt. Objective: To evaluate …

The glucocorticosteroid betamethasone, which is routinely administered prior to anticipated preterm birth to enhance maturation of the lungs and the cardiovascular system, has diverse fetal regional blood flow effects ranging from increased pulmonary flow to decreased cerebral flow. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that these diverse effects reflect alterations in major central flow patterns that are associated with complementary shifts in left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) pumping performance. Studies were performed in anesthetized preterm fetal lambs (gestation = 127 ± 1 days, term = 147 days) with ( n = 14) or without ( n = 12) preceding betamethasone treatment via maternal intramuscular injection. High-fidelity central arterial blood pressure and flow signals were obtained to calculate LV and RV outputs and total hydraulic power. Betamethasone therapy was accompanied by 1) increased RV, but not LV, output; 2) a greater RV than LV increase in total power; 3) a redistribution of LV output away from the fetal upper body region and toward the lower body and placenta; 4) a greater proportion of RV output passing to the lungs, and a lesser proportion to the lower body and placenta; and 5) a change in the relative contribution of venous streams to ventricular filling, with the LV having increased pulmonary venous and decreased foramen ovale components, and the RV having lesser superior vena caval and greater inferior vena caval portions. Taken together, these findings suggest that antenatal betamethasone produces a widespread redistribution of central arterial and venous flows in the fetus, accompanied by a preferential rise in RV pumping performance.

Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN) is defined as a failure of the normal circulatory transition after birth. PPHN manifests as a progressive and potentially fatal hypoxemic respiratory failure. The condition is associated with a persistent increase in pulmonary vascular resistance and reduced blood flow in the pulmonary vessels without an accompanying congenital heart defect. The abnormalities in pulmonary circulation lead to right-to-left shunting through the foramen ovale and usually also through the ductus arteriosus, with resultant hypoxemia, which manifests clinically as cyanosis. Management options in PPHN include optimal lung inflation, oxygenation, prevention of acidosis, stabilization of blood pressure, sedation and pulmonary vasodilator therapy. While inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) is the most commonly used treatment option, alternative methods can be used whenever is unavailable or contraindicated. We report three cases of severe PPHN, in which due to the lack of adequate response to intravenous MgSO4, the patients were switched to milrinone.

In pulmonary atresia intact ventricular septum, or hypoplastic right heart syndrome the blood that enters the right ventricle has no egress, so regurgitate back into right atrium via tricuspid valve, and reach the left atrium through foramen ovale. These patients may have coronary sinusoidal channels. Echocardiography is useful in evaluating the right ventricular and tricuspid annulus size and may show sinusoidal channels, but angiography is necessary to evaluate the RV-dependent coronary circulation, and make the best decision for patient.

Background: Transpulmonary passage of air emboli can lead to fatal brain- and myocardial infarctions. We studied whether pigs with open chest and pericardium had a greater transpulmonary passage of venous air emboli than pigs with closed thorax. Methods: We allocated pigs with verified closed foramen ovale to venous air infusion with either open chest with sternotomy and opening of the pleura and pericardium (n = 8) or closed thorax (n = 16). All pigs received a five-hour intravenous infusion of ambient air, starting at 4-6 mL/kg/h and increased by 2 mL/kg/h each hour. We assessed transpulmonary air passage by transesophageal M-mode echocardiography and present the results as median with inter-quartile range (IQR). Results: Transpulmonary air passage occurred in all pigs with open chest and pericardium and in nine pigs with closed thorax (56%). Compared to pigs with closed thorax, pigs with open chest and pericardium had a shorter to air passage (10 minutes (5-16) vs. 120 minutes (44-212), P < .0001), a smaller volume of infused air at the time of transpulmonary passage (12 mL (10-23) vs.170 mL (107-494), P < .0001), shorter time to death (122 minutes (48-185) vs 263 minutes (248-300, P = .0005) and a smaller volume of infused air at the time of death (264 mL (53-466) vs 727 mL (564-968), P = .001). In pigs with open chest and, infused air and time to death correlated strongly (r = 0.95, P = .001). Conclusion: Open chest and pericardium facilitated the transpulmonary passage of intravenously infused air in pigs.

To evaluate an ASD by echocardiography it is important to evaluate its location, size, enlargement of right side chambers, associated anomalies, and not to confuse it with normal variants like prominent Eustachian valve. As atrial septum is a posterior structure if its visualization is not straight forward contrast study and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) would be helpful.