<b><i>Objectives:</i></b> The aim of the study was first to quantify the diagnostic accuracy of predictive anatomical factors of aortic coarctation (CoA) and second to design a postnatal CoA probability algorithm according to gestational age (GA) in prenatal period. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Global and according to GA diagnostic performance of cardiac anatomical variables using the ROC curve were evaluated in a retrospective cohort of fetuses with suspicion of CoA (2004–2020). A serial testing strategy to predict postnatal CoA by fetal echocardiography was designed. <b><i>Results:</i></b> 114 fetuses were included. Isthmus-to-ductal (I/D) ratio provided the best discrimination between healthy fetuses and those with CoA (AUC 0.91, 95% CI: 0.86–0.96, I/D < 0.74 sensitivity 96.3%, I/D < 0.6, specificity 92.5%) with good classification capacity in both the second and third trimesters of gestation. Isthmus <i>z</i>-score and pulmonary/aortic valve ratio increased accuracy in fetuses >28 and tricuspid/mitral valve ratio (TV/MV) in fetuses ≤28 weeks. Study of I/D plus TV/MV ratio in fetuses ≤28 and I/D ratio plus isthmus <i>z</i>-scores in fetuses >28 weeks allowed to correctly classify 91.8% of fetuses as high or low probability of postnatal CoA. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Diagnostic discrimination of anatomic predictive factors for CoA varies according to GA. Specific algorithms according to GA increase accuracy in CoA’s prenatal prediction.
Introduction and objectivesDifferent percutaneous interventional procedures are needed to reach and maintain adequate anatomical and physiological conditions for the Fontan circulation. We aim to describe the experience gained at a children's hospital in such interventions, and to analyze the clinical outcomes.MethodsRetrospective study of all patients with Fontan circulation completed between 1995 and 2013. We analyzed the clinical characteristics and the different types of percutaneous interventions performed, considering three different periods of time: before Glenn surgery, between Glenn and Fontan surgeries, and after Fontan was completed. Survival and time to indication of percutaneous interventions in each period were analyzed, as well as the clinical situation at last follow-up.ResultsOf the 91 patients analyzed, 46 (50.5%) required percutaneous interventions. The most frequent procedures were pulmonary artery angioplasty and angioplasty of the Fontan conduit. Estimated survival at 10, 20 and 30 years of age was 96.2%, 94.7% and 89.4%, respectively. There were no significant differences in survival of patients undergoing percutaneous interventions or not. Overall survival and time to indication of percutaneous interventions were significantly lower in the group of patients with right morphology systemic ventricle. Patients with fenestrated Fontan required interventions more frequently. At the end of follow-up, 66 patients (72.5%) were asymptomatic, without significant differences between patients who underwent or did not undergo percutaneous interventions.ConclusionsInterventional catheterization procedures are often necessary to reach and maintain the fragile Fontan circulation, mainly in patients with right morphology systemic ventricles and fenestrated Fontan conduits.
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